MP Outraged Over Convicted Smuggler Living in Britain

A Member of Parliament has called for urgent government action after a BBC investigation revealed that a convicted people smuggler is believed to be living in Leicestershire, seeking asylum, and allegedly working without legal permission.

South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa described the situation as "utterly unacceptable" after the investigation linked Iraqi Kurdish national Twana Jamal to two mini-marts in Blaby, including one located next to his constituency office.

Costa said he has contacted Leicestershire Police to ask what action is being taken and plans to raise the matter directly with the Home Office.

"This individual should not be living in Blaby or anywhere in the UK," Costa said. "He is a convicted human trafficker, and if he is exploiting the asylum system while working illegally, that raises serious concerns."

The Conservative MP also urged local residents to avoid the businesses connected to Jamal until authorities complete their investigations.

Jamal was sentenced to five years in prison in France in 2016 after prosecutors identified him as one of the country's most prolific people smugglers. French authorities alleged he earned as much as £100,000 a week by organising illegal crossings of migrants across the English Channel.

According to the BBC investigation, reporters located Jamal in Leicester before tracing links to two convenience stores in nearby Blaby. Journalists claimed they witnessed him working inside one of the shops, driving a vehicle without a valid licence, and using what appeared to be a false identity.

When questioned by reporters, Jamal denied ever being involved in people smuggling or serving a prison sentence in France. He also claimed he had lived in the UK since 2009. However, when shown a photograph taken during his 2016 court appearance in France, he did not deny that he was the person pictured.

Jamal further denied working at the mini-mart, despite reporters saying they observed him serving customers behind the counter and handling deliveries.

Costa said he had no previous knowledge of Jamal but questioned how someone with such a criminal history could be allowed to seek asylum in the UK.

"The Home Office must explain how a convicted people smuggler has been able to enter the asylum system," he said.

In response, the Home Office stated that all asylum applicants undergo mandatory identity, security, criminality, and immigration checks before their cases are processed.

Local Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Hartshorn said many residents had contacted him following the BBC report, expressing concern about the allegations.

He said people were deeply disappointed that someone with a serious criminal conviction could allegedly live, work, and operate businesses within the local community.

Meanwhile, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews urged the public to remain calm. While acknowledging community concerns, he said he had confidence that police would investigate thoroughly and take appropriate action if any offences were identified. He also stressed that violence or vigilantism should not be tolerated.

Leicestershire Police confirmed they are aware of the BBC investigation and are working with the Home Office, local authorities, and other partner agencies to assess the information presented in the report.