In a significant development as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation, two lorry drivers accused of smuggling migrants for a London-based organised crime group have been apprehended in Romania and now face extradition to the UK. This marks a crucial step in dismantling the criminal network responsible for these illicit activities.
Nicolae Toma aged 43, hailing from Arad in Romania, stands accused of attempting to smuggle nine migrants out of the UK in September 2020. At the time, he was permitted to proceed once the migrants had been removed from his lorry. However, subsequent investigations by the NCA linked him to the criminal group, leading to his arrest upon his return to the UK in June of the following year.
Following his release under investigation, Toma failed to return to face charges, and he was subsequently listed as wanted by authorities. In a separate case, Vasile Balcovei aged 49, from Tulcea in Romania, is suspected of dropping off two migrants he had smuggled into the UK at Thurrock Services in Essex in February 2021. This incident was witnessed by a member of the public, and the two migrants were subsequently picked up by a minicab, which was under surveillance by the NCA.
Despite efforts to trace Balcovei’s lorry back to the scene, he had already left the country. NCA investigators believe that both individuals were working for an organised crime group led by *Md Mokter Hossain*, aged 54, from Woodford Green. Hossain was the primary focus of an NCA investigation codenamed Operation Symbolry, leading to his imprisonment for 10-and-a-half years at Snaresbrook Crown Court in June. He was found guilty of directing a network that utilised complicit lorry drivers to facilitate the movement of people in both directions across the English Channel.
The latest developments saw Romanian police arrest Toma and Balcovei on 2 September, based on warrants issued by UK authorities. Balcovei has since been extradited back to the UK and is set to appear before Westminster Magistrates Court. Toma remains in custody in Romania.
NCA Senior Investigating Officer Chris Hill commented on the situation, stating, “Engaging complicit lorry drivers was critical to Hossain’s people smuggling business model. The arrest of these men demonstrates the international reach of the NCA, and our determination to do all we can to track down and bring to justice those we suspect of being involved in people smuggling. Tackling organised immigration crime remains a priority for the NCA.”
Operation Symbolry has already resulted in the conviction of five lorry drivers with ties to the organised crime group for people smuggling offences. Additionally, five minicab drivers are scheduled to stand trial in January 2024 for offences linked to the network.
Authorities urge anyone with information about such illegal activities, especially lorry drivers who may be targeted by organised criminals, to contact the police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
