A 44-year-old Albanian people smuggler has been jailed for seven years after attempting to transport 21 migrants across the English Channel on a luxury yacht.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was convicted at Canterbury Crown Court following a thorough investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The yacht, intercepted off the Kent coast, was found to be carrying migrants from various countries, all hoping to enter the UK illegally.
Details of the Smuggling Operation
The court heard how the Albanian national had organised the crossing, charging each migrant thousands of pounds for the dangerous journey. The luxury yacht, typically associated with affluent leisure, was repurposed for criminal activity.
Authorities tracked the vessel as it navigated the busy shipping lanes of the Channel before being boarded by Border Force officials. The migrants, including women and children, were handed over to immigration services.
Sentencing and Reaction
Judge Philip St John-Stevens described the defendant as a 'key player' in a sophisticated smuggling network. The seven-year sentence reflects the severity of the crime and sends a strong message to others involved in such operations.
An NCA spokesperson stated: 'This case highlights our ongoing efforts to dismantle organised crime groups exploiting vulnerable people. We will continue to work with partners to disrupt these dangerous crossings.'
The UK government has faced increasing pressure to tackle Channel crossings, with record numbers attempting the journey in recent years.
