Turkish Lorry Driver Jailed After Migrant Smuggling Bust on M25
Migrant Haul Discovered on M25
Hakan Zengin, 36, from Cigli, Turkey, was caught red-handed last March. Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA) stopped his lorry at the M25’s junction with the A3 on 21 March. Inside the trailer, officers found 17 migrants hidden away, sitting on pallets crudely laid across the load to make room for them.
Operation Symbolry Snags Another Smuggler
This takedown was part of a wider NCA probe, Operation Symbolry, targeting a UK-based gang smuggling migrants in and out of the country via HGVs. Zengin admitted to facilitating illegal immigration and was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on 4 June to two-and-a-half years behind bars.
NCA Cracks Down on Corrupt Lorry Drivers
“People smuggling groups need corrupt HGV drivers like Zengin. They’re ruthless, packing people into lorries and putting lives at risk,” said Chris Hill, NCA branch operations manager. “While Zengin did it for money, he’s now paying the price with a life-changing jail term far from home.”
Hill added, “This conviction sends a clear warning to others thinking of joining these crime rings: it’s just not worth it. We remain committed, working with UK and overseas partners, to bust these smugglers and lock up corrupt drivers.”
Zengin Joins Growing List of Convicted Smugglers
Zengin’s arrest marks the latest victory for Operation Symbolry, which continues to rake in lorry drivers involved in people smuggling. This crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to stamp out dangerous migrant trafficking networks across the UK.
