Three men from Folkestone have been convicted for multiple failed attempts to smuggle Vietnamese migrants across the English Channel in what authorities have called a “reckless and dangerous” operation.
Freddy Lawrence, 57, and Keith Baigent, 63, both from Folkestone, along with Paul Giglia, 64, from Cheriton, orchestrated the operation in 2018. Over a 10-day period in August of that year, the group made five failed attempts to transport migrants from France to the UK using unseaworthy vessels and poor navigation techniques.
Dangerous Crossings and Police Interception
Four of the attempts involved the Sorel Light, a £30,000 boat purchased by Lawrence. Despite warnings about the vessel’s condition, Lawrence pushed forward with the operation. When the Sorel Light experienced engine failure, he attempted to use a smaller boat, which also broke down.
On their final attempt, French police, acting on intelligence from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), intercepted the Sorel Light near Wimereux. Migrants were seen wading into the sea and signalling to the vessel with lights.
Authorities arrested 11 Vietnamese migrants and two accomplices onboard. A twelfth migrant fell into the water but was later detained.
International Collaboration
The smuggling operation involved additional conspirators: Ronald Scott, Toby Lake, and Stephen Chapman. Chapman, who coordinated the effort from France, was arrested along with Scott and Lake during the final attempt. French authorities sentenced the trio to prison terms ranging from one to two-and-a-half years.
Convictions and Sentencing
Following their arrests in October 2018, Lawrence, Baigent, and Giglia were charged with assisting unlawful immigration. Lawrence pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court last month, while Baigent and Giglia were convicted earlier this week. Sentencing is scheduled for 2025.
Lawrence is already serving a prison sentence for unrelated drug offences.
Reckless Endangerment for Profit
NCA Senior Investigating Officer Dave Rock condemned the operation:
“This was a completely reckless enterprise that could have ended in tragedy. The condition of the vessels and the lack of navigational experience posed significant risks to the migrants’ lives. Lawrence and his associates prioritized profit over human safety, navigating one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes with wilful negligence.”
Government Commitment to Tackling Smuggling
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, praised the NCA’s efforts:
“This government remains steadfast in dismantling people smuggling networks that prey on vulnerable individuals. Such vile schemes put lives at risk and undermine our security. Let this case serve as a clear warning—those engaged in this evil trade will face the full force of the law.”
Appeal for Public Awareness
The case highlights the ongoing danger of illegal immigration networks and the need for vigilance in tackling organized crime. The NCA continues to collaborate with international partners to prevent such operations and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
