Members of a people smuggling network have been jailed for more than 60 years over a small boat crossing which left four people dead and another four missing.
An investigation, led by the French police agency OLTIM and supported by the National Crime Agency (NCA), found a boat carrying 47 people got into trouble in the English Channel on December 14, 2022.
The survivors were rescued up by a British fishing vessel and brought to shore in Dover.
Today, seven Afghan nationals and two Iraqis were convicted of offences including involuntary manslaughter, endangering lives and facilitating illegal entry following a trial in Lille.
A judge handed the Afghan ringleader of the gang an eight-year jail term.
The others were sentenced to seven years each.
Meanwhile, one of the men was tried in his absence after fleeing France before trial.
NCA deputy director, Rick Jones, said: “This was a tragic event which sadly demonstrated the extreme danger involved in putting overloaded boats into the sea.
“While our thoughts remain with the loved ones of those who died, I’m glad that those who organised this crossing have now been brought to justice.
“The gangs involved in this type of criminality have no concern for the welfare or safety of those they transport, they’re just in it for the money.
“This is why targeting, disrupting and dismantling these networks is a key priority for the NCA and our partners.”
One man, Senegalese national Ibrahima Bah, 20, was previously convicted in the UK of piloting the boat in what was a landmark case.
His trial, at Canterbury Crown Court, heard how the “death trap” dinghy was heavily overloaded and only had space for around 20 people. Many of those on board also did not have life-jackets.
He was jailed for nine years after being found guilty of manslaughter in in February 2024.
Although those who pilot small boats are frequently brought before the court Bah, whose age was simply stated as over 18, was the first to be prosecuted in England and Wales when those onboard have come to harm.
