Nine people have been arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected people-smuggling ring.
The arrests were made as part of Operation Cosy, an investigation into a suspected organised crime group believed to be involved in the facilitation of predominantly Iranian nationals into the UK.
Seven of the arrests were made after coordinated strikes at six addresses in Manchester, Northampton and Glasgow at 6am on Monday.
Immigration Enforcement officers arrested four Iranian men, aged 33, 34, 35 and 36, and a 39-year-old Polish woman at addresses in Whalley Range and Salford, Greater Manchester.
Two 29-year-old Iranian men were arrested at homes in Northampton and Glasgow.
Two more arrests, of a 33-year-old Iranian man and a 46-year-old British woman, were made at Manchester Airport on Tuesday.
All those arrested have been bailed until a later date pending further inquiries.
Assistant director Dave Magrath, from the Immigration Enforcement Criminal Investigations Team, said: "Our investigation is targeting an organised network suspected of being involved in a complex and systematic attempt to evade the UK's immigration controls.
"That investigation will continue with the evidence that was seized on Monday and Tuesday."
Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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