A suspected people smuggler was in custody today accused of placing a record 173 migrants onto a single 'mega-dinghy' that burst into flames in the English Channel.The Egyptian man – who has not been identified by name – is said to have made £173,000 from the crossing, equivalent to £1,000 per head. It followed prosecutors in Boulogne opening an investigation into 'aiding the illegal entry and stay of foreigners' – a crime punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine equivalent to £26,000.The 40ft inflatable dinghy was designed for a maximum 25 passengers but had 173 men, women and children on board when it disintegrated shortly before 6am yesterday.'The man was arrested last night and will be questioned at length by judicial police and prosecutors,' said a source close to the case.Investigators also revealed that none of those rescued wanted to remain in France.One said: 'There were fifty women and children on the boat, and they all declined emergency accommodation. All want to get to Britain as quickly as possible.'More than 2,000 migrants have arrived on UK shores in small-boat crossings since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.Migrants disembark from a French rescue ship following their rescue at sea after their boat caught fire The British rescue ship BSC Contender cruises away after participating in the rescue operation