News · 2 July 2026
Convicted 'godfather' people smuggler seeking UK asylum in Leicestershire
Photo by Nicola Barts on Pexels
A BBC investigation has found a man convicted in France for people smuggling, described as a "godfather" of migrant camps, living in Leicestershire and seeking asylum. Twana Jamal, who was jailed for five years in 2016 for earning up to £100,000 a week moving illegal immigrants, was seen driving without a licence and working illegally. Law enforcement officials say 15 other convicted people smugglers are also residing in the UK using assumed identities.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs