A man who was involved in recruiting lorry drivers for people smugglers has been jailed for six years today (27 March), following an investigation by the National Crime Agency.
Romanian national Nicusor Lacatus, 53, worked on behalf of a UK-based criminal network to find hauliers who were willing to move migrants across the UK-France border.
One of the drivers he recruited was arrested by the NCA as he attempted to drive a truck out of the UK containing dozens of migrants.
The HGV driven by fellow Romanian national Iosif Sebastian Haprian, 40, was stopped at Dover on 23 September last year, and 22 migrants were found in the back.
A bundle of cash totalling £3,600 was also found in his cab, payment for the run, and phone evidence later showed he had been in touch with Lacatus in the build-up to the event. Haprian was jailed for three years for people smuggling offences in December.
Lacatus, a haulier himself, was arrested by the NCA on 14 November at Folkestone service station on the M20, as he prepared to leave the UK in his van.
At Canterbury Crown Court today (27 March) he admitted facilitating illegal immigration and was sentenced to six years in prison.
NCA Branch Commander Saju Sasikumar said:
“The gangs involved in people smuggling risk the safety of those they transport, and threaten the border security of the UK.
“Smugglers operate in both directions across the Channel, and we have seen cases where the networks and drivers making money from transporting people out of the country illegally to avoid border checks are also bringing people in, so targeting them offers us an opportunity and is important.
“This case should serve as a warning. We know crime groups try to recruit HGV drivers for this type of activity, but the penalties for getting involved can be harsh and life-changing.
“Tackling organised immigration crime remains a top priority for the NCA, and we are determined to do all we can to target, disrupt and dismantle the criminals involved, wherever and however they operate.”
