UK authorities detain former French-linked people smuggler in Leicestershire
Twana Jamal Khdir, an Iraqi national once called the “godfather” of French migrant camps, was arrested near Uppingham and charged with immigration offences in England.
An Iraqi-Kurdish one outlet identified as Twana Jamal Khdir, once described as the “godfather” of French migrant camps, was arrested near Uppingham in Leicestershire during a coordinated raid led by the Midlands Criminal Financial Investigations team with support from Leicestershire Police. The Crown Prosecution Service charged him with immigration offences, and he appeared before Leicester Magistrates’ Court, where he admitted unlawfully entering the UK but contested allegations of seeking entry by deceptive means.
Khdir, who previously received a five-year prison term in France in 2016 for moving illegal migrants across the Channel and earning up to £100,000 a week, has been remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear at Leicester Crown Court on 5 October for further proceedings. The case highlights ongoing cross-border criminal networks and UK law-enforcement cooperation.
Why it matters
The arrest shows UK efforts to disrupt international people-smuggling rings and enforce immigration laws.
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