The National Crime Agency (NCA) has issued a warning that organised crime groups are approaching HGV drivers across the UK to take part in people-smuggling operations. The alert follows a rise in arrests in Kent, where several drivers have been caught attempting to travel to France with migrants hidden in their vehicles. Some offenders are believed to have deliberately assisted smugglers, while others turned a blind eye by leaving their lorries accessible in known drop-off areas.
Criminal networks are offering drivers thousands of pounds to transport migrants across the Channel, often presenting it as easy money. NCA Deputy Director of Investigations Craig Turner said many drivers were being misled into believing the risk was low, but “the consequences are devastating,” with those convicted facing lengthy prison sentences. He urged drivers to report any suspicious approaches or activity, stressing that most haulage workers are law-abiding and play a vital role in safeguarding communities.
Recent cases have highlighted the growing scale of the issue. In August, Romanian driver Iona Monescu was sentenced to three years in prison after 44 people were discovered in his trailer at Dover. Several other drivers have also been jailed for similar offences.
The NCA, Border Force and Crimestoppers continue to run awareness campaigns encouraging drivers in the logistics sector to seek guidance and report concerns confidentially to help combat organised immigration crime.
