An HGV driver that smuggled a woman and her six-year-old child into the UK in his vehicle has been jailed following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.
Polish national Dawid Flis was arrested by NCA officers after he arrived from the Hook of Holland into the Port of Killingholme, North Lincolnshire on 23 March.
His lorry was searched by Border Force, which was working with the NCA, and the woman and child, both Albanian nationals, were found hidden in the bunk area of Flis’ cab.
The woman told investigators that she had agreed to pay €25,000 (£21,500) to be taken to the UK and had paid €12,500 (£10,750) to date.
She said she had arranged to meet Flis at the roadside in Holland and he had let them both into the cab.
Flis, 37, appeared at Grimsby Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to facilitating illegal immigration.
He was sentenced to four years in prison and he will be deported after serving his sentence.
NCA Branch Commander Sara Moore said: “Dawid Flis abused his position as a lorry driver to attempt to smuggle a woman and child into the UK.
“Tackling organised immigration crime is a priority for the NCA and we will continue in our pursuit of individuals who are involved in this criminality at every step of the chain.”
One man arrested as part of the same incident has been extradited to Italy. A second remains on bail.
