A convicted people smuggler, once described as "the godfather" of the French migrant camps, is living in Leicestershire and believed to be seeking asylum without legal permission, a BBC investigation reveals.
Why it matters: Twana Jamal's presence in the UK raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of border controls in screening asylum seekers with criminal backgrounds.
Jamal was sentenced to five years in prison in France in 2016 for his role in a people smuggling operation.
He reportedly earned up to £100,000 a week moving illegal immigrants across the English Channel.
Since Brexit, UK immigration officers have noted increased challenges in verifying criminal records from foreign countries.
Driving the news: Following a tip-off this year, investigators traced Jamal to the village of Blaby, where he was seen working, driving without a license, and apparently using a false name.
Witnesses described him as driving a BMW and appearing "very very rich" in his new surroundings.
Authorities have identified over 20 active smugglers in the UK, some with prior convictions from other countries.
State of play: Jamal operated out of the Grand Synthe camp near Dunkirk from 2012 to 2016, charging between £4,500 and £5,000 per crossing.
He was linked to the Ranya Boys, a Kurdish gang that has dominated cross-channel smuggling for 15 years.
During his trial, prosecutors revealed that he had multiple aliases, including "Pasha," a title implying high rank.
The big picture: Jamal's case highlights systemic flaws in the UK's asylum process, especially following the end of EU data-sharing agreements.
Lucy Moreton from the Immigration Services Union stated that without shared databases, verifying the criminal histories of asylum seekers has become significantly more difficult.
Asylum seekers are fingerprinted upon arrival, but these checks may not reveal foreign convictions.
What they're saying: Jamal has denied any involvement in people smuggling and claimed to have entered the UK in 2009.
When confronted, he acknowledged his past but stated simply: "I don't care" about the legal implications.
The Home Office maintains that all asylum claimants undergo mandatory security checks to confirm their identity and criminality.
By the numbers: Since Brexit, the UK has seen a notable increase in illegal working arrests, up 83% as authorities ramp up enforcement.
More than 20 active smugglers with overseas convictions have been identified in the UK, raising alarm about border security.
Jamal's operation reportedly involved transporting over 100,000 migrants during his peak years.
Between the lines: The lack of effective checks on asylum seekers with criminal histories poses risks to public safety.
Officials have expressed concerns that Jamal's case is not isolated, indicating broader issues within the asylum system.
Many of the identified smugglers are believed to be operating under false identities, complicating verification efforts.
What's next: Authorities are under pressure to strengthen border controls and improve record-checking processes.
The Home Office has stated it is committed to maintaining the integrity of the asylum process, but critics argue more needs to be done.
Calls for a review of current policies are growing, especially concerning how the UK handles asylum seekers with criminal backgrounds.