A BBC investigation has discovered that Twana Jamal, a convicted people smuggler formerly known as the godfather of French migrant camps, is currently living and working in Leicestershire. Jamal, who received a five-year prison sentence in France in 2016, is suspected of pursuing asylum in the UK.
Reporters tracked Jamal to Blaby, Leicestershire, following a lead. Observations indicated he was working without authorization, operating a vehicle while unlicensed, and seemingly operating under an alias. European law enforcement sources have indicated that at least 15 other individuals previously convicted of people smuggling are residing in the UK under false identities. This situation has ignited concerns regarding the efficacy of current border vetting processes for asylum seekers with overseas criminal histories.
In response, the Home Office stated that every asylum applicant undergoes compulsory identity, security, and criminal background checks. Officials noted that the UK maintains various information-sharing agreements with international partners and that immigration enforcement activity is at an all-time peak.
