Two men accused of running an illegal people-smuggling “migrant taxi service” across the English Channel have been caught red-handed, say prosecutors. The National Crime Agency (NCA), working with French authorities, smashed the gang’s high-priced crossing operation.
Ferry-Style Smuggling for Tens of Thousands
NCA Branch Commander Saju Sasikumar revealed the suspects charged migrants a premium to ferry small groups across the Channel. “These men ran what can only be described as a kind of ferry service, moving small numbers of people each trip, but charging a premium price,” he said.
“They stood to make tens of thousands of pounds per run, but our joint operation with French partners stopped this enterprise in its tracks.”
Smugglers Driven by Greed, Not Safety
Border Security Commander Maritime Charlie Eastaugh blasted the smugglers. “These criminals charged tens of thousands for a so-called ‘luxury’ illegal journey to the UK — nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.
“Thanks to tireless work from my teams and our French counterparts, we disrupted these criminals who put the UK’s border at risk. Anyone involved in people trafficking will face the full force of the law.”
Prosecutors: Two Men Ran an Illegal Channel Crossing for Profit
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the suspects as Cherniavskyi and Yavtushenko, who knowingly transported migrants without legal right to enter the UK.
“Cherniavskyi and Yavtushenko were effectively running an illegal migrant taxi service across the English Channel,” said specialist prosecutor Tim Burton.
“Thanks to the NCA and evidence from French authorities, we built an unanswerable case. Both knew they were bringing in people without right to enter the UK — but chose profits over the law.”
This bust highlights the ongoing UK-French close collaboration to dismantle organised immigration crime and keep Channel crossings secure.
