An individual identified as a major player in migrant smuggling operations, reportedly known as the "Godfather of traffickers," has allegedly been living in a taxpayer-subsidised council flat in Leicester, England, for the past two years. The man, identified as Twana Jamal, 46, is accused of running a network that facilitated the smuggling of thousands of migrants into the UK.
Jamal was reportedly jailed for five years in France for his role in these operations, during which he is said to have amassed millions of pounds. Following his release from prison, he is alleged to have entered Britain and established a presence in Leicester.
Sources indicate Jamal drove a BMW and operated under a false name while reportedly running two shops in the village of Blaby, near Leicester. These businesses, named Candy Corner and later M&M Express, were eventually closed by the local council under anti-social behaviour laws. Reports suggest the businesses were registered under the names of relatives or associates.
While Jamal was reportedly the subject of a BBC investigation last month that highlighted concerns about individuals with criminal convictions living in the UK, the Leicester City Council stated that housing officers visited the flat in question and found no record of a Twana Jamal or Twana Pasha living there. They noted the registered tenant had occupied the address for over 15 years.
Jamal was reportedly known for charging migrants approximately £4,500 each to be transported to Britain, often utilizing trucks to bypass detection methods like carbon dioxide sensors.
French prosecutors described Jamal as the leader of a violent gang known as the Ranya Boys, who were allegedly involved in attacks on police and rival smugglers. Despite his conviction and prison sentence in France, reports suggest he maintained contact with criminal associates and continued to operate while incarcerated.
Home Office officials confirmed that all asylum claimants undergo mandatory security checks for identity verification, as well as immigration, security, and criminality checks. Downing Street has stated it is urgently investigating the reports and is committed to preventing abuses of the immigration system.
Jamal's alleged presence in the UK has raised questions about the asylum process for individuals with overseas criminal convictions. British law typically mandates the refusal of asylum claims for those who have served a year or more in prison abroad, yet Jamal is reported to have been able to move to the UK.