Two Vietnamese nationals have been locked up for running a £3,000 illegal immigration racket on Facebook. Hop Nguyen, 36, and Hoang Nguyen, 25, helped at least 250 people sneak into the UK using their dodgy online service.
Facebook Ads Lured Hundreds Into the UK for Thousands
The pair, who entered the UK illegally in 2023, advertised on Facebook, promising quick and “prestigious” crossings from France to the UK for less than £3,000 per person. Their accounts showed they aimed to pocket nearly £750,000 from the operation.
“Brothers, sisters who have family members or friends, want to go to UK, contact me! Fast, convenient, prestigious. Price only >3xxx,” one ad read.
Potential migrants messaged them on Zalo, a Vietnamese messaging app, to arrange the crossings. They even booked spots on small boats travelling from France.
Jailed and Facing Deportation After NCA Sting
Both men were arrested in April 2024 at separate addresses in Leicester and South London. They pleaded guilty in August and were sentenced at Croydon Crown Court. Hop Nguyen received 12 years in prison, Hoang 10 years and six months. Both face deportation after their jail terms.
Even when migrants were caught by authorities, Hop and Hoang arranged for them to ditch their temporary accommodation and vanish into the Vietnamese community.
Officers found over £8,000 in cash at Hoang’s home. Her partner, Thuan Sy Tran, 26, is currently awaiting extradition to France.
