Drivers targeted by gangs to transport clandestines across borders

The warning from the National Crime Agency (NCA) followed a spike in arrests in Kent, which saw a number of drivers detained as they attempted to board trains or ferries to France whilst carrying stowaways in their trucks.

In the three months to October the NCA arrested nine lorry drivers in the county for people smuggling offences.

The most significant was that of Romanian national Iona Monescu, who was detained after 44 Bangladeshi and Pakistani people were found in the back of his trailer at the port of Dover. He was sentenced to three years in prison in September.

In July, seven members of a people smuggling network were jailed for between 13 and seven years each for organising crossings from the UK to France. Five HGV drivers were also jailed for their roles in assisting the gang.

The NCA said the smugglers were targeting drivers and offering them thousands of pounds to transport people across the border in otherwise legitimate loads.

They have either assisted the criminal gangs in loading people into their trucks or have turned a blind eye by leaving their vehicles unlocked in specific locations.

Craig Turner, NCA deputy director of investigations, said: “We know these crime gangs are actively trying to recruit drivers to work for them, promising them a supposedly low risk way of making extra money.

“In fact, it is anything but. We have a number of operations investigating this type of criminality, and recent arrests have demonstrated that the chances of getting caught are high.

“Those who do get caught risk a life-changing prison sentence. It simply isn’t worth the risk.

“I’m certain that the overwhelming majority of those in the haulage industry are law abiding and I would urge them to report any suspicious activity like this to the police or Crimestoppers.”

Another group investigated by the NCA face trial in January for allegedly smuggling Afghan migrants to the UK in the back of a lorry.

The vehicle’s driver is among those charged.

Law firm Kingsley Napley said the NCA’s alert revealed a growing area of criminal enforcement and hauliers could face up to 14 years in jail.

“While some drivers may be approached under false pretences or subject to financial pressure, both individual drivers and their employers can face serious criminal consequences if found to have facilitated illegal entry into the UK, whether deliberately or through negligence,” said lawyer Andrew Sanderson.

He added that even if they were not deliberately facilitating illegal immigration, drivers and hauliers faced penalties of £10,000 per migrant.

“To mitigate these risks, logistics companies and drivers should adopt robust vehicle security protocols, ensure regular staff training, and maintain clear reporting channels for any suspicious approaches or attempted interference,” Sanderson added.

“Immediate notification to the authorities is strongly advised if drivers are targeted.”

The RHA welcomed the NCA’s efforts and echoed its warnings that anyone tempted to get involved in the criminal activities was likely to end up in jail.

Ashton Cull, RHA senior public affairs lead, said: “It’s vital we make the distinction between people profiting from organised crime and the honest, hardworking lorry drivers who are unwittingly caught up in it when they’re transporting goods internationally.

“People smuggling gangs will attempt to hide clandestine entrants anywhere on a vehicle with no regard for their safety, subverting the efforts of truckers and businesses doing everything they can to ensure their vehicles are secure.

“Too many hauliers are being undeservedly hit with crippling fines despite a government-commissioned inspection highlighting huge flaws in the system.”

Cull added: “We repeat our calls for urgent investment in training and technology at our borders to tackle these issues and help keep loads secure. We want to see a fair system in place that protects drivers, goods, businesses and our borders.”