Matt Taylor
BBC News, East Midlands
Arsen Feci, a 46-year-old man suspected of involvement in a people-smuggling network, has been extradited to the UK after fleeing the country in 2023. On Wednesday, officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) arrested Feci at Heathrow Airport upon his return from Spain.
Feci, a resident of Browtowe Street in Nottingham, was initially arrested in Spain in August after absconding from the UK in March 2023. He had been granted bail ahead of his trial but failed to appear. His extradition followed close cooperation between Spanish authorities and the NCA.
Appearing in Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, Feci faces charges of assisting unlawful immigration into the UK. Investigators believe he played a significant role in coordinating people-smuggling operations, including sourcing equipment and organizing individuals to carry out illegal crossings from France and Belgium to the UK.
Feci has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court on January 16, 2024.
Derek Evans, NCA branch commander, commented on the arrest: “Arsen Feci fled the UK after being charged with his involvement in a people-smuggling gang operating small boats to bring people into the country. His role in the operation involved sourcing crucial equipment and organizing personnel to ensure the success of these illegal crossings.”
He added, “Thanks to the hard work of our Spanish counterparts, Feci has now been brought back to face justice in the UK. The NCA has a global reach and will continue to work closely with international partners to bring fugitives back to the UK to answer for their crimes.”