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Ukrainians Sentenced for Yacht Smuggling Operation into UK

3/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Vladyslav Cherniavskyi and Oleksandr Yavtushenko, Ukrainian nationals, were sentenced for running a yacht-based migrant smuggling operation into the UK.
Cherniavskyi received six years in prison.
Yavtushenko received five years in prison after pleading guilty to assisting unlawful immigration.
They transported migrants, including a young Vietnamese girl, across the English Channel for up to 15,000 euros.
The National Crime Agency, with French authorities, intercepted their yacht, Uforia, on July 20, 2025.

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Story summary

Vladyslav Cherniavskyi and Oleksandr Yavtushenko, Ukrainian nationals, were sentenced for running a yacht-based migrant smuggling operation into the UK.
Cherniavskyi received six years in prison.
Yavtushenko received five years in prison after pleading guilty to assisting unlawful immigration.
They transported migrants, including a young Vietnamese girl, across the English Channel for up to 15,000 euros.
The National Crime Agency, with French authorities, intercepted their yacht, Uforia, on July 20, 2025.