Concerns over border security spike after news of a convicted smuggler living in UK. Twana Jamal,who served five years in French prison for big trafficking operation, found in small English village. Reports say he seeks asylum now .
Jamal, 36,involved in smuggling people across Channel, allegedly earning up to £100,000 weekly. Became notorious after BBC investigation,which tracked him down.
Operating under false identity in Blaby,he was seen driving,working without license. Raises big questions about current border control,especially monitoring those with serious criminal pasts.
Since UK's EU exit,immigration officials struggle more with checking criminal records of asylum seekers,especially from some countries. About 15 other convicted traffickers might also be in UK using fake names .
At Grand Synthe camp near Dunkirk,Jamal charged between £4,500 and £5,000 for crossings. Trial showed he used aliases,one linked to high rank in Turkish culture. Despite conviction,entered UK,awaiting asylum decision now.
Rules say overseas prison sentences over 12 months usually bar asylum claims. But unclear if Jamal's record was checked or if he hid identity well.
On tape,Jamal boasted strong ties in Leicester,"We know everyone in this city,this city is ours." Claimed earning good money moving cigarettes from local warehouse,showed little fear driving illegally,"No-one touches us here."
Investigators found two Candy Corner mini-marts in Blaby,Jamal seen working register. Denied smuggling when asked,claimed UK residence since 2009. Didn't dispute ID when faced with French court evidence,saying,"I don't care."
Jamal's case highlights wider issues,multiple sources suggest several convicted traffickers from France,Germany,Belgium might be in UK under false IDs. Post-Brexit lack of data-sharing complicates asylum seeker background checks,Lucy Morton of Immigration Services Union noted.
Fingerprint checks done on asylum seekers at arrival,but don't ensure foreign convictions are caught. Home Office says all asylum applications get mandatory security assessments to confirm IDs,check criminal records…but gaps remain.
