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
Step by step instructions to Pick the Right Dental specialist for Your Teeth Substitution - 2Vote in favor of your Favored Kind of Scarf
- 3January full moon wows skywatchers with a striking 'Wolf Supermoon' (photos)
- 4The most effective method to Pick the Right Old Consideration Administration: Key Contemplations
- 5The Solution to Flexibility: Developing Internal Fortitude Notwithstanding Misfortune
- Starship success, a private moon landing and more: The top 10 spaceflight stories of 2025
- Vote In favor of Your Favored Pet Consideration Administration
- Exploring the Gig Economy: Illustrations from Consultants
- Instructions to Expand Your Smash 1500's Presentation: Tips and Deceives
- Israel has clear objectives south of Litani River, but will face difficult choices further north
- Figure out How to Advance Space in Your Pre-assembled Home for Upgraded Usefulness
- Vote In favor of Your Favored Language Learning Applications
- 7 Straightforward Moves toward Move Information from Your Old Cell phone to Your New One: A Thorough Aide
- Unsold Rams May Be Less expensive Than You Suspect
