Another Nail in Human Trafficking Network’s Coffin as Man Detained in Liverpool
Mai Van Nguyen, 32, from Birmingham’s Holloway Circus, was swooped on by NCA officers in Woolton, Liverpool, early Tuesday (8 February). After grilling by investigators, he’s now charged with conspiracy to assist illegal immigration and money laundering. Nguyen faces Birmingham Crown Court today (9 February).
Crackdown on Migrant Smuggling Ramps Up
This latest arrest is part of a fierce investigation into a ruthless smuggling ring that ferried mainly Vietnamese migrants into the UK hidden in lorries throughout late 2020. Several suspects have already been nabbed, with two men formally charged.
- Ho Sy Quoc, 22, from Handsworth, Birmingham, was popped in September 2021 and is due for trial at Birmingham Crown Court on 28 February.
- Karzan Mohammed, 32, a Bolton taxi driver from Daubhill, charged with conspiring to help illegal immigration, appeared in Wigan Magistrates Court today after his September arrest.
NCA Vows To Smash People Smugglers
“This is the latest phase of an ongoing investigation into the activities of a significant smuggling network, bringing people illegally into the UK and then laundering the profits,” said NCA Branch Operations Manager Paul Boniface.
“These groups treat people as a commodity to be profited from and are quite happy to put lives at risk. We are determined to do all we can to stop them.”
The National Crime Agency leads Britain’s fight against organised crime linked to trafficking and people smuggling. They currently have around 50 live investigations targeting top-tier criminal networks exploiting vulnerable migrants.
