Russian Truckie Busted Smuggling 22 Migrants at Dover – Jailed for Over Four Years!
22 Migrants Found Hidden in Lorry Trailer
A 39-year-old Russian truck driver, Nikolai Kuznetsov, has been slammed with a 4 years and 4 months jail sentence after admitting to smuggling 22 migrants from the UK to France.
Border Force agents caught Kuznetsov red-handed on August 17, 2023, during a spot check at Dover Docks. Inside his lorry trailer, officers found 22 migrants crammed in, including a five-year-old girl travelling with her family.
Migrants Tried to Dodge French Border Controls
The migrants, all from North Africa, were attempting to slip past French border and visa restrictions illegally. Kuznetsov was arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA), accused of helping unlawful entry into an EU country.
NCA Warns Organised Crime Will Be Cracked Down On
Kuznetsov pled guilty early at canterbury/" title="Canterbury" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Canterbury Magistrates Court, with sentencing handed down on Friday, January 26.
“Kuznetsov was complicit with the people smugglers whose only concern was making money, rather than the wellbeing of those individuals found in his trailer,” said John Turner, Operations Manager at the NCA. “Thankfully they were found and safeguarded, but we know organised crime groups will continue in their attempts to use migrants to make money.”
“The NCA works closely with partners across the UK and overseas to ensure all travellers comply with legal entry rules and hold valid documents.”
“This harsh sentence sends a loud warning to anyone involved in illegal migrant trafficking – you WILL be caught and locked up.”
