Vietnamese Smuggler Details Operations in UK

Vietnam has become the largest source of illegal migrants crossing the Channel to the UK, with arrivals increasing significantly this year. A self-confessed smuggler, known as Thanh, claims to have helped over 1,000 people reach the UK by forging documents and facilitating dangerous crossings, often charging double the usual fee. Thanh's operations exploit lax EU visa regulations, allowing migrants to travel to Europe before attempting to reach the UK. He acknowledges the risks involved, as over 50 individuals have died during crossings this year, marking 2024 as particularly deadly. His motivations are partly financial, noting that smuggling is a lucrative business, despite its illegality. Thanh's revelations shed light on the complexities of the smuggling trade that preys on desperate migrants seeking a better life.