People smuggler found by BBC living in Leicester
A convicted people smuggler, once described as "the godfather" of the French migrant camps, is living in Leicestershire and believed to be seeking asylum while working illegally, a BBC investigation can reveal.
Twana Jamal was given a five-year jail sentence in France in 2016, where authorities described him as one of the most successful people smugglers ever caught.
Prosecutors said the Iraqi Kurd, aged 36 at the time, had earned up to £100,000 a week for moving illegal immigrants across the Channel.
Following a tip-off this year, we traced Jamal to the village of Blaby and witnessed him working, driving a car without a licence and apparently using a false name.
Hear BBC journalist Sue Mitchell's report, and her interview with BBC Leicester's Ady Dayman.
The Home Office told us: "All asylum claimants are subject to mandatory security checks to confirm their identity for the purpose of immigration, security and criminality checks."
Duration:
This clip is from
Featured in...
More clips from BBC Radio Leicester
![]()
Wigston neighbours save woman from fire
Duration: 02:20
![]()
Van containing band's 'priceless' equipment stolen
Duration: 04:43
![]()
Where can you see the Festival of Chariots?
Duration: 02:24
![]()
First responder reunites with team who saved him
Duration: 04:51






