BBC Finds Convicted People Smuggler Living In Britain Claiming Asylum

BBC Exposes Convicted People Smuggler Living In Britain While Claiming Asylum

French court branded him a migrant smuggling kingpin – now he's been found working illegally in the UK as fresh questions erupt over border security

A convicted people smuggler once described by French prosecutors as "the godfather" of the migrant camps has been discovered living openly in Britain while reportedly seeking asylum, according to a BBC investigation.

Twana Jamal, an Iraqi Kurd, was jailed for five years in France after being convicted of running one of Europe's biggest people-smuggling operations, earning an estimated £100,000 a week ferrying illegal migrants towards Britain.

Now, investigators say they have traced him to the Leicestershire village of Blaby, where he was allegedly working illegally, driving without a licence and using a different identity.

French Conviction Didn't Stop Him Reaching Britain

French authorities convicted Jamal in 2016 after describing him as one of the most successful people smugglers ever brought before the courts.

Operating from the notorious migrant camps around Dunkirk, prosecutors said he charged thousands of pounds per person to arrange illegal crossings to Britain, using freight lorries before the surge in small-boat crossings.

Following his prison sentence, France intended to deport him back to Iraqi Kurdistan.

Instead, he somehow ended up in Britain.

BBC Tracks Him To Leicester

Acting on a tip-off, BBC investigators traced Jamal to two convenience stores in Blaby, where they say he was regularly seen working behind the counter despite asylum seekers being barred from employment while claims are processed.

Investigators also observed him driving despite allegedly having no valid UK driving licence.

When approached undercover, he reportedly introduced himself using the name "Sultan", although investigators linked him to social media accounts using the nickname "Sultan Pasha".

'No-One Touches Us Here'

In a secretly recorded conversation arranged by investigators, Jamal allegedly boasted about his life in Britain.

"We know everyone in this city," he reportedly said.

"This city is ours."

He also claimed he was unconcerned about driving illegally, adding: "No-one touches us here. Even the police won't stop you."

When later confronted directly by BBC journalists, Jamal denied involvement in people smuggling and denied working at the shop despite investigators having filmed him behind the till.

Asked about driving without a licence, he reportedly replied: "So what? Did I hit you?"

More Smugglers Found Living In Britain

The BBC says Jamal's case is far from unique.

Its investigation identified more than 20 suspected or convicted people smugglers currently living in Britain, including several with criminal convictions in France, Belgium and Germany.

Some are reportedly working openly, while others are believed to have claimed asylum using different identities.

Brexit Data Gap Raises Fresh Questions

Border security experts say Britain's departure from the European Union has made it harder to access criminal records held by European authorities.

Immigration Services Union representative Lucy Moreton said losing routine database access means officials may not know whether an asylum applicant has convictions overseas.

The Home Office insisted all asylum seekers undergo mandatory security and identity checks and said immigration enforcement activity is currently at record levels, with arrests for illegal working up 83%.

However, Jamal's reported presence in Britain is likely to reignite questions over whether dangerous foreign criminals are slipping through gaps in the asylum system.

SOURCE