Twana Jamal, a 46-year-old convicted people smuggler who earned up to £100,000 a week trafficking migrants across the English Channel, has been living in a taxpayer-subsidised one-bedroom council flat in Leicester for the past two years. Known as the "Godfather of traffickers" and "King of the Calais Jungle," Jamal was sentenced to five years in prison in France in 2016 for leading a network that smuggled thousands of migrants into the UK from northern France.
Living Under the Radar in Leicester
According to a BBC investigation, Jamal has been residing in a council flat in Leicester city centre, with neighbours alleging the property was being illegally sub-let. He is also believed to have split his time between the flat and a nearby bungalow linked to relatives. Jamal has been accused of using a false identity while in the UK, running two sweets and vape shops under the name Candy Corner, and driving a black BMW 640 without a valid licence.
The Home Office's Criminal and Financial Investigations unit raided the Leicester flat last month, but it remains unclear whether Jamal was present. His current whereabouts are unknown.
Outrage Over Asylum Grant
A member of the French prosecution team who brought Jamal to justice expressed outrage, stating: "He was known as the Godfather of Traffickers for a reason – so it is absolutely outrageous that he has done so well for himself in England, but it is not surprising."
Jamal denied involvement in people smuggling and claimed he had been in the UK since 2009, awaiting the outcome of an asylum application. When shown evidence of his French conviction, he reportedly said: "I don't care."
Illegal Activities and Associates
An associate of Jamal described regular visits from "shady-looking characters" in expensive cars, including an Asian woman arriving monthly in a white Mercedes who would leave carrying a bag. Others reportedly arrived in a black Rolls-Royce Cullinan and a grey Audi. A neighbour said: "We believe the place was being illegally sub-let and used for his dodgy business deals."
Jamal's two Candy Corner shops in Blaby, Leicestershire, were closed by Blaby District Council under anti-social behaviour legislation. Company records show they have since been transferred to new ownership.
Government Response and Immigration Rules
The case has raised questions about how foreign nationals with serious overseas convictions can remain in the UK. Under current immigration rules, individuals sentenced to at least 12 months in prison overseas can be refused asylum. A Downing Street spokesperson said: "We share the public's concern at these reports and are working urgently to establish the facts. We will not tolerate abuse of our immigration system, and that is why we are deporting people with no right to be here at the highest rate in nearly a decade."
A Leicester City Council spokesperson said: "Housing officers visited this property today and met with the tenant who has been registered at this address for more than 15 years. We have no records of a Twana Jamal or Twana Pasha living there."
Broader Context
The BBC investigation revealed that more than 20 convicted or suspected people smugglers are living in Britain, some having claimed asylum under different identities. Jamal charged migrants between £4,500 and £5,000 for passage to the UK. The case has sparked further debate over border security and asylum procedures.
