BBC News
·Jul 2026
People smuggler convicted in France now seeking asylum in UK
A convicted people smuggler, Twana Jamal, previously jailed in France, is found living in Leicestershire under an alias, working illegally and believed to be seeking asylum. A BBC investigation identifies him staffing local shops and driving without a licence despite legal barriers meant to prevent serious overseas offenders from claiming asylum. Law enforcement sources say at least 15 other convicted smugglers from Europe may also be living in the UK under false identities. Gaps in post-Brexit data sharing hinder checks on foreign criminal records, though the Home Office maintains that mandatory security measures are in place and enforcement is increasing.