A haulier has been jailed for his role in smuggling migrants between the UK and France.
Romanian national Nicusor Lacatus, 53, recruited other HGV drivers willing to move migrants across the border for a UK-based gang, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA).
He was given a six-year prison term at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday after admitting facilitating illegal immigration at an earlier hearing.
"This case should serve as a warning," said NCA branch commander Saju Sasikumar, adding: "We know crime groups try to recruit HGV drivers... but the penalties for getting involved can be harsh and life-changing."
The agency said it arrested Lacatus in November at an M20 service station in Folkestone, Kent, as he prepared to leave the UK in his van.
One of the drivers he recruited, 40-year-old Romanian national Sebastian Haprian, had been stopped two months earlier in Dover carrying 22 migrants in the back of his lorry.
Cash totalling £3,600 was also found and phone evidence showed he had been in contact with Lacatus in the build-up to the incident, according to the NCA.
Haprian was handed a three-year prison sentence in December after admitting his role in the scheme.
Sasikumar said smugglers operated in both directions across the Channel and often drivers transported migrants into and out of the UK.
Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
Related internet links
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Relentless rise in carbon pollution from fossil fuels slightly dampens climate-fighting hopes - 2How Seniors Can Use Refunds and Motivators to Purchase a Hyundai Ioniq EV
- 3The Specialty of Compromise: Examples from Reality
- 4France bans Muslim gathering citing risk to participants
- 5Alleged maple syrup scam in Quebec uncovered by Canadian broadcaster
- NASA’s Pandora telescope will study stars in detail to learn about the exoplanets orbiting them
- Agios Pharma shares jump as US FDA expands approval for its blood disorder drug
- \Step by step instructions to Pick the Best Material Organization for Your Home\
- The Best 20 Tunes that Characterized an Age
- IDF begins destroying homes used by Hezbollah as forces move deeper into southern Lebanon
- Must-Sit in front of the Programs from Europe and the US
- The most effective method to Boost Eco-friendliness in Your Volvo XC40
- The 10 Most Compelling Forerunners in Innovation
- More charges filed against ex-left-wing RAF member Daniela Klette
