UK launches sanctions regime targeting people-smuggling gangs

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain on Monday launched a new sanctions regime targeting people-smuggling gangs and their enablers in what the government said was the first move of its kind globally.

The United Kingdom will be able to freeze assets, impose travel bans and block access to the country’s financial system for individuals and entities involved in enabling irregular migration, without relying on criminal or counterterrorism laws.

The regime was previously outlined by foreign minister David…