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David Bolt | |
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| Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration | |
| Assumed office Interim 3 June 2024 | |
| In office 1 May 2015 –21 March 2021 | |
| Preceded by | John Vine |
| Succeeded by | David Neal |
| Personal details | |
| Alma mater | University of East Anglia |
David John Bolt CBE is the current interim Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration,who has held the interim role since 3 June 2024. [1] He previously served in the same role between 2015 and 2021. [2]
He graduated from the University of East Anglia with a BA in comparative literature and Russian language in 1976. [3] During his degree he spent time studying at Voronezh State University. A former MI5 officer,he previously held the positions of Deputy Director General of the National Criminal Intelligence Service,Executive Director of Intelligence at the Serious Organised Crime Agency,and Chief Executive of the International Federation of Spirits Producers. [4] He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2025 Birthday Honours. [5]
In June 2025,Bolt told a Justice and Home Affairs Committee that he did not believe the government's plan to end the use of asylum hotels by the next election would be achieved. [6] He also express skepticism about the government's ability to "smash the gangs" involved in channel migrant crossings,noting the low risk and high profitability of organised immigration crime. [7]