Full Breakdown
Convicted People Smuggler Living in Leicestershire Highlights Post-Brexit Border Gaps
7/2/2026, 10:50:32 PM
Core Event: Smuggler Found Working Illegally in the UK
Twana Jamal, an Iraqi-Kurdish national sentenced to five years in a French prison in 2016 for people-smuggling, was located by the BBC in the village of Blaby, Leicestershire. Investigators observed him driving without a licence and claiming to earn “good money” moving cigarettes from a warehouse. Jamal is believed to be seeking asylum in the United Kingdom while using a false name.
Background & Context: Brexit’s Impact on Cross-Border Data Sharing
Immigration officers told the BBC that the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union has ended many data-sharing agreements with EU member states. Without access to shared criminal-record databases, officials say it is harder to verify the overseas convictions of asylum seekers. The loss of these links is cited as a factor that allowed Jamal and other convicted smugglers to enter the UK undetected.
Key Figures & Groups
- Twana Jamel – Convicted people-smuggler, described by French prosecutors as “the godfather” of French migrant camps.
- Lucy Morton – Representative of the Immigration Services Union, commenting on data-sharing limitations.
- Home Office – UK government department responsible for immigration security checks.
- French prosecutors – Provided details of Jamal’s earnings and operational history.
Data & Statistics: Smuggling Profits, Convicted Smugglers in Britain, Migration Trends
- Jamal reportedly earned up to £100,000 a week moving illegal migrants across the Channel.
- Customers were charged £4,500-£5,000 per crossing between 2012 and 2016.
- The BBC identified more than 20 active smugglers in the UK, with 15 holding overseas convictions.
- Between 2021 and 2024, 4.8 million legal migrants arrived in the UK, producing a net migration of over 2.5 million after accounting for departures.
- A Merlin Strategy poll for *The Independent* found 62 % of respondents believe immigration has worsened since Brexit, while 55 % support a return to freedom of movement.
Official Statements & Responses
Immigration officers indicated that post-Brexit checks rely on UK police databases, which do not automatically reveal foreign convictions. The Home Office confirmed that “all asylum claimants are subject to mandatory security checks to confirm their identity for the purpose of immigration, security and criminality checks.”
Criticism & Opposition
Lucy Morton argued that restored data-sharing with neighboring EU states would allow authorities to flag individuals like Jamal: “If we were able to share databases… with Germany, with Belgium, with Holland and France, say – then, yes, we’d know that they had a conviction for people smuggling.” Public polling cited in the sources shows widespread concern that immigration levels have deteriorated since Brexit.
On-the-Ground Reports
BBC reporters witnessed Jamal handling cargo and noted his statements: “No-one touches us here” and “Even the police won’t stop you.” These remarks underscore his perception of limited law-enforcement scrutiny in the area.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the effectiveness of fingerprint checks: while fingerprints are taken on arrival, they are cross-checked only against UK databases, potentially missing foreign convictions. The Home Office has not commented on the specific number of undetected smugglers residing in the UK.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If we were able to share databases, even if just with our nearest neighbours, with Germany, with Belgium, with Holland and France, say - then, yes, we'd know that they had a conviction for people smuggling,” — Lucy Morton, Immigration Services Union
- “No-one touches us here” — Twana Jamal, as reported by the BBC
- “Even the police won't stop you.” — Twana Jamal, as reported by the BBC
- “All asylum claimants are subject to mandatory security checks to confirm their identity for the purpose of immigration, security and criminality checks.” — Home Office, to the BBC
What’s Next: Calls for Restored Data Links and Further Scrutiny
Union representatives and immigration officials are campaigning to rebuild data-sharing arrangements with EU partners. The BBC investigation suggests that additional oversight may be required to identify and monitor individuals with foreign criminal convictions residing in the UK.
