Convicted People Smuggler Lives in UK, Claims Asylum

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:45:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Twana Jamal, convicted of smuggling across the Channel, is reportedly living in Leicestershire and applying for asylum while still working.

Twana Jamal, once dubbed the "godfather" of French migrant camps, received a five‑year jail sentence for smuggling people into the UK. A BBC investigation traced him to Blaby in Leicestershire, where he was seen driving a car without a licence and working at a local mini‑mart. He asserts he is waiting for his asylum case while still earning money. The case highlights security gaps after Brexit, as the UK lacks robust data‑sharing with EU countries. A review of records shows over 20 other former smugglers living in the UK.

People smuggler convicted in France found by BBC living in UK and seeking asylum

Twana Jamal, a 36‑year‑old Iraqi Kurd who earned up to £100,000 a week moving illegal immigrants across the Channel, was given a five‑year imprisonment in France in 2016. In 2026 a BBC investigation traced him to Blaby, a village on the outskirts of Leicester.

A makeshift camp of tents in northern France — 2016: Grande Synthe camp in northern France, where Jamal ran his people smuggling operation.

The BBC team spotted Jamal driving a BMW but without a licence and working at one of two neighboring candy shops on Blaby’s high street. He claimed the local police routinely ignored him, saying “No one touches us here, even the police won’t stop you.” He insisted he was waiting for his asylum case while still earning money at the store.

When confronted, Jamal denied ever being jailed in France or participating in people smuggling. However, his photo in a French courtroom in 2016 testified otherwise. He replied “I don’t care” when shown the evidence.

Jamal’s case is not isolated. An internal BBC inquiry found more than 20 people smugglers now residing in the UK, many with convictions in France, Germany or Belgium. A conviction abroad does not automatically trigger asylum denial in the UK, especially after Brexit limits data‑sharing between the UK and EU countries.

Official statements say all asylum claimants undergo mandatory security checks, but the lack of cross‑border databases means international convictions might not be flagged. Immigration experts say strengthened data exchange with neighbours such as France could reduce such loopholes.

The report, part of the BBC’s “To Catch A King” podcast series, calls for a review of UK immigration protocols and urges tighter cooperation with European partners to safeguard against individuals with criminal histories seeking refuge.