Two migrants jailed in first convictions under landmark small boat crossings law

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Two migrants jailed in first convictions under landmark small boat crossings law

Two migrants have been jailed in the first convictions under the landmark small boat crossings law. Afghan national Mohammad Tajik, 32, and Sudanese national Alnour Ali, 26, have been jailed at Canterbury Crown Court for two years and 27 months respectively. They are the first people to be sentenced for a new offence of endangering others during a Channel crossing. The boat piloted by Mohammad Tajik had more than 70 people on board, including a toddler and several children. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say When a Border Force rescue vessel approached, he let go of the tiller, causing the boat to drift in circles. He later admitted paying €1,500 to a criminal gang for his crossing and knowing that he needed a visa to enter the UK. The vessel piloted by Ali Alnour, with 73 other people on board, contained no safety equipment, such as a radio, flares, a first-aid kit, a tube-repair kit, paddles, lights, or navigation aids. He initially denied that the man in a pink beanie who was filmed piloting the boat was him, but later admitted guilt. Sarah Dineley, the CPS lead on immigration crime, said: “Mohammad Tajik and Ali Alnour were piloting inflatable boats across one of the busiest sea lanes in the world with no navigation system or means to call for help if they got into trouble. “The international gangs who arrange these crossings have little regard for the safety of the paying passengers on board these overloaded boats. The photos of peoples’ legs dangling off the sides of crowded boats show just how dangerous these crossings are. “I’m pleased that we have the first endangerment sentences since the new law came into force earlier this year. "We have more cases going through the courts and I anticipate there will be more convictions this year." He added: “I want to thank officers in Immigration Enforcement and the National Crime Agency for their thorough investigations which helped us secure these convictions. “The CPS continues to work with international partners to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups, who are ultimately responsible for small boat crossings." Steve Blackwell, Senior Criminal and Financial Investigation Officer, Immigration Enforcement, said: "Those piloting these flimsy and unseaworthy vessels endanger everyone on board. “The endangerment offence remains a critical tool in bringing those responsible to justice." He thanked the work of the team who "put these dangerous criminals behind bars" and vowed Immigration Enforcement will continue their "relentless efforts" to investigate, detain and arrest the pilots and smugglers behind the Channel crossings. Craig Turner, Deputy Director, National Crime Agency, said: “Combating the threat posed by the networks involved in organised immigration crime is one of our biggest priorities, and we currently have more than 100 investigations ongoing. “Ali Alnour piloted a dangerous boat that had more than 70 people on it. "In interview, he denied being the pilot and claimed he had sat in the middle of the boat. The strength of the NCA case ensured that he admitted his role and pleaded guilty.” Mike Tapp, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said: " This government is delivering a direct blow to the small boat gangs by tracking down and jailing their pilots. “We are using every lever at our disposal to make sure the vile criminals who bring illegal migrants to our shores face justice. "Disruptions to smuggling activity including arrests, convictions and seizures is up by nearly 50 per cent and we won’t stop here." More To Follow... Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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