Two men from Kent have been charged following a series of immigration raids.

Police investigating serious organised crime stormed properties and arrested suspects on Wednesday.

Cristinel Samson, from Folkestone, and Mohammed Rasoul, from Ashford, have both been charged along with seven others from across the south of England.

Samson, 48, of Grimston Avenue, is accused of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration, two counts of assisting unlawful immigration and one count of possession of an offensive weapon.

After appearing at court yesterday, he has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance at Lewes Crown Court on January 12.

Meanwhile, Rasoul, of Church Road in Ashford, was charged with conspiracy to facilitate immigration, assisting illegal entry, money laundering and one count of acquiring criminal property.

The 28-year-old was released on bail to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on January 18.

Other raids took place in Hastings, St Leonards on sea, Eastbourne and Plymouth.