A man who skippered a yacht from France to the UK with 17 migrants on board has been convicted. Eno Gajda, 58, was investigated by the National Crime Agency (NCA) following his arrest by Border Security Command (BSC) officers off the coast of Dorset on August 27.
Details of the incident
The Albanian fisherman had sailed the 40ft yacht from Dielette, France, which was tracked on a course for the coast near Portland before being intercepted by BSC officers, the NCA said. On board were 16 Albanian men and one boy.
BSC officers boarded the yacht after intercepting it and apprehended Gajda before escorting the vessel to Portland Marina Harbour where the men and minor were removed, the agency added. They were dealt with by immigration authorities and Gajda was questioned by NCA officers.
Legal proceedings
Gajda was charged with facilitating illegal immigration and pleaded guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday. He is due to be sentenced at the same court on November 18.
NCA Branch Commander Andy Tickner said: "This was a brazen attempt to smuggle a group of vulnerable migrants to the UK."
"Although Gajda had some experience at sea, navigating across one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes was highly dangerous and put many lives at risk."
Official statements and next steps
Tickner added: "Targeting people smugglers like this remains a priority for the NCA, and we’re doing all we can to disrupt and dismantle the gangs involved, wherever they operate."
Director of Maritime and Small Boats at Border Security Command, Charlie Eastaugh, said: "This conviction is a testament to the outstanding work of Border Security Command officers and National Crime Agency investigators."
"People smugglers care about profit, not the lives they put at risk. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to bring them to justice."
