An LBC investigation has uncovered a major people smuggling ring that claims French police are helping them get people to the UK.
An undercover team for LBC infiltrated the criminal gang, operating out of Dunkirk in the north of France.
He covertly filmed the gang, based in Dunkirk, London and Birmingham, who claimed that French police assist them getting people across the Channel. They said authorities tell them not to cross one day, but to come back the next – possibly due to the waters being patrolled by the UK Border Force.
Posing as an Indian family wanting to bring a young relative to the UK, they met Farooq in his camp deep in woodland off the beaten track in Dunkirk.
Farooq charges £7,000 for a place on a boat and offers a discount for children and subsequent families members wanting to make the trip. He claims to have sent 300 to 400 people to the UK in boats.
The boats are piloted by his team. After being pointed in the direction of the English coastline, they are told not to stop until they cross into UK waters where they will be rescued.
The majority of the money for the crossings changes hands in the UK, with a deposit of between £500 and £1000 going straight to Farooq, who has bank accounts in the UK, France and Pakistan.
LBC’s undercover team were given three UK address to pay a deposit to secure the crossing; a restaurant and an off-licence in west London and a newsagent in Birmingham.
The Home Office have launched an investigation into the ring, using the information we supplied them.
