In the first two months of 2026, five vessels were detected launching from Belgium. This is part of a broader trend where small boats are being launched from the Belgian coast to collect migrants from France. The total number of illegal migrant arrivals by small boat in the UK reached 6,060 by mid-April, indicating an alarming increase in crossings.

The distance from Belgium to the UK is approximately 20 miles, which is twice that from Calais. This makes the crossing more perilous. Yet, criminal gangs are now targeting multiple beaches in Belgium for these launches, adapting their tactics as they face increased scrutiny elsewhere. Frontex reported a change in smugglers’ tactics at the start of 2026, suggesting a strategic pivot in response to law enforcement efforts.

On one particularly striking day, 600 illegal immigrants crossed into UK waters. This surge highlights not only the desperation of those seeking refuge but also the increasing organization and reach of smuggling networks. A network supplying boats to smugglers was dismantled in France, resulting in 21 arrests—demonstrating ongoing efforts to combat this crisis.

The Home Office reported stopping over 42,000 illegal migrants attempting to cross the Channel since the election. Despite these efforts, police in France have been accused of not doing enough to stop small boats, facing organized gangs that have become increasingly violent towards law enforcement. Experts note that this violence may be encouraged by gangs looking to maintain control over their operations.

This shift has garnered attention from maritime security experts. A senior source remarked, “This is the biggest tactical shift from the criminal smuggling gangs in the last few years.” Expanding launch sites into Belgium is viewed as a very significant and risky move—one that could lead to more dangerous crossings and increased fatalities.

As authorities grapple with this evolving situation, concerns mount about safety and security along both sides of the Channel. 10,000 euros worth of equipment has been supplied to smugglers, illustrating the financial stakes involved. As this crisis unfolds, it remains clear that addressing root causes and enhancing cooperation between nations will be crucial.

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In a significant incident at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, a Chinese national named Zhang Kequn was arrested for attempting to smuggle live queen ants. This event marks a continuation of a troubling trend in Kenya, where the smuggling of insects has been on the rise, indicating a shift in biopiracy from larger animals to smaller, yet ecologically critical species.

Details of the Arrest

Zhang was found in possession of 2,238 live garden ants, including 1,948 packed in test tubes and 300 concealed in tissue paper. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is currently investigating this case as part of a larger probe into insect smuggling, which has gained traction among enthusiasts in Europe and Asia willing to pay high prices for these insects.

Previous Incidents

This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Kenya. Last year, four men were sentenced to one year in prison or fined $7,700 for attempting to smuggle thousands of live queen ants. The ants seized during that operation were identified as giant African harvester ants, species that play an important role in their ecosystems.

The KWS has emphasized the ecological importance of these ants, noting that their smuggling poses a risk to local biodiversity. The average value of each giant African harvester ant is approximately £175 ($233), highlighting the lucrative nature of this illicit trade.

Connections to a Broader Trend

The smuggling of ants is part of a growing trend in Kenya, where the focus has shifted from iconic large mammals to lesser-known species. The KWS described last year’s ruling against the four men as a ‘landmark case’, suggesting a significant shift in how wildlife crimes are prosecuted.

International Context

Interestingly, on the same day as Zhang’s arrest, a similar shipment of ants was seized in Bangkok, indicating that this issue is not confined to Kenya alone. The international nature of this trade raises questions about the enforcement of wildlife protection laws across borders.

Current Status and Future Implications

As investigations continue, the case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by authorities in combating wildlife crime. The KWS has noted that smuggling ants has become a lucrative but illicit business, with serious implications for conservation efforts. The case signals a landmark shift in biopiracy trends, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and enforcement to protect these vital species.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of Zhang’s operations and any potential connections to larger smuggling networks. The ongoing investigations will likely shed more light on the intricate web of wildlife trafficking that threatens both local ecosystems and international biodiversity.

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