Criminal gangs are making over £200million a year smuggling people across the Channel in small boats

GANGS are making at least £200million a year smuggling people across the Channel in small boats.

And cutting off the cash will be discussed at an international summit hosted by the UK tomorrow.

Gangs are making at least £200million a year smuggling people across the Channel in small boats

More than 40 countries will meet in London to explore ways of combating criminals who make a fortune from exploiting vulnerable migrants .

They include representatives from nations on illegal transit routes including France , Germany , Italy, Belgium , Turkey , Iraq, Vietnam and Tunisia .

One crucial meeting will be with China where most of the flimsy boats are made by a handful of factories.

So far this year 6,642 migrants have crossed the Channel — each paying up to £12,000 for the perilous trip.

And if each of the 36,816 migrants who crossed last year paid £10,000 each, that would be £368million for the gangs.

The National Crime Agency says it is working to “follow the money”; to halt the gangs.

It comes as the Government is expanding right-to-work checks.

Businesses, such as food delivery services, construction, and beauty salons, face fines of up to £60,000.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Turning a blind eye to illegal working plays into the hands of callous people smugglers trying to sell spaces on flimsy, overcrowded boats.”;