Thirteen convicted for migrant smuggling operation that led to 31 deaths in English Channel

Thirteen members of a migrant smuggling network have been convicted in France for their involvement in a deadly attempt to cross the English Channel in November 2021, which led to the deaths of 31 people. Prison sentences of up to 10 years were imposed. Eurojust supported the investigation by setting up a joint investigation team (JIT) between the French and UK authorities and hosting several coordination meetings at the Agency.

Thirty-three migrants were on board the overcrowded small boat when it sank in the English Channel during the night of 23 to 24 November 2021 while attempting to reach the United Kingdom. Twenty-seven people were confirmed to have drowned, while four others remain missing. Only two people survived.

The investigation uncovered two structured migrant smuggling networks which worked together to organise the crossing. The smugglers were involved at different stages of the operation, including procuring and launching the boat, recruiting migrants, transporting them to the departure point and assisting with the launch. Some members of the networks continued their criminal activities until June 2022. The migrant smuggling network charged approximately EUR 3 000 per person for the dangerous journey across the English Channel.

The boat used for the crossing was unsuitable for open-sea navigation and was overloaded with 33 people. According to the court, it was crudely constructed and lacked adequate life-saving equipment, while its engine ultimately failed. The court found that the smugglers involved in organising the crossing had created the conditions that led to the deaths of 31 people and exposed the two survivors to an imminent risk of death or serious injury. The victims came from several countries, including Egypt, Iran, Sudan, Ethiopia and Vietnam.