Four Migrant Smugglers Sentenced to Up to Seven Years in Pas-de-Calais

The convicted individuals operated a network facilitating illegal crossings to the UK and were found guilty of organized smuggling, violence, and drug involvement.

• Four individuals were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to seven years by a court in Boulogne-sur-Mer for their roles in an organized migrant smuggling network.
• The smuggling operations, conducted between March 2023 and January 2025, facilitated illegal crossings from the Côte d’Opale to the UK using small boats.
• The investigation uncovered violence against migrants, the use of weapons for intimidation, and significant cocaine consumption within the network.
• The group acquired and stored nautical equipment in Calais, including in a restaurant used as a hub for operations and meetings with migrants.
• Seven suspects were initially arrested in January 2025, with five ultimately tried; one was acquitted, while the others remain in custody following their convictions.

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Ouest-France Le Journal du Dimanche Sud Ouest