Smugglers Ran ‘Luxury’ Illegal Crossings to the UK for Huge Fees

Two men accused of running an illegal people-smuggling operation across the English Channel have been described as operating a “migrant taxi service”, according to prosecutors. The investigation was led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), working alongside French authorities to disrupt the alleged smuggling network. NCA Branch Commander Saju Sasikumar said the suspects had effectively […]

Two men accused of running an illegal people-smuggling operation across the English Channel have been described as operating a “migrant taxi service”, according to prosecutors.

The investigation was led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), working alongside French authorities to disrupt the alleged smuggling network.

NCA Branch Commander Saju Sasikumar said the suspects had effectively created a ferry-style service transporting small groups of migrants across the Channel for a high price.

“These men ran what can only be described as a kind of ferry service, moving small numbers of people over the channel each time, but charging them a premium price for the service,” he said.

“They stood to make tens of thousands of pounds for each trip, but we were able to work with our French partners to stop this enterprise in its tracks.”

He added that tackling organised immigration crime remains a key priority for the NCA.

Border Security Commander Maritime Charlie Eastaugh said the suspects were motivated purely by profit.

“These smugglers were driven solely by profit, charging tens of thousands of pounds for a ‘luxury’ illegal journey to the UK which couldn’t be further from reality,” he said.

“Thanks to the dedication of my teams and our close colleagues in France, who work around the clock, we were able to disrupt these criminals who were putting the UK’s border at risk.”

He warned that anyone involved in people trafficking would face “the full force of the law”.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the men – identified as Cherniavskyi and Yavtushenko – knowingly transported migrants who had no legal right to enter the UK.

Specialist prosecutor Tim Burton said: “Cherniavskyi and Yavtushenko were effectively running an illegal migrant taxi service across the English Channel.

“Thanks to the National Crime Agency they were caught red-handed and evidence shared by French authorities meant we were able to build an unanswerable case.

“Both knew very well they were bringing in people that had no right to enter the UK but did so anyway to make money.”

Authorities say the case highlights the continued efforts by UK and French agencies to tackle organised immigration crime and dismantle smuggling networks operating across the Channel.