Abwbaker is the first suspect arrested in the United Kingdom after 31 migrants drowned when their boat deflated and sank just two hours after leaving France.
He is the first suspect to be apprehended in the UK after 31 migrants drowned two hours after leaving France when their boat deflated and sank in darkness.
Due to emergency phone calls, it was unclear whether the lifeboat was in French or British waters.
The next day, 27 bodies were found, two people survived, and four are still missing.
He is the first suspect to be apprehended in the UK after 31 migrants drowned two hours after leaving France when their boat deflated and sank in darkness.
Emergency telephone calls led to confusion about whether the dinghy was in French or British waters.
A total of 27 bodies were recovered the next day, two people survived and four are still missing.
Abwbaker, whose photo has been blurred by the NCA due to legal concerns, is set to appear at Westminster magistrates on Wednesday morning on a French extradition warrant.
“This is a significant arrest, and comes as part of extensive inquiries into the events leading to these tragic deaths in the Channel,” said the agency’s deputy director Craig Turner.
“The individual detained today is suspected of having played a key role in the manslaughter of those who died.”
He added: “Working closely with our French partners, we are determined to do all we can to get justice for the families of those whose lives were lost, and disrupt and dismantle the cruel organised criminal networks involved in people smuggling.”
The NCA explained that Abwbaker will face charges of the “French equivalent of manslaughter” and facilitating illegal immigration.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has said her thoughts are with the “families of those who tragically lost their lives” and thanked investigators for their “tireless work”.