A man identified as Twana Jamal, allegedly known as the 'Godfather of traffickers' for his role in smuggling migrants into Britain, has reportedly been living in a taxpayer-subsidized council flat in Leicester for the past two years. Jamal, who was previously jailed in France for five years for smuggling thousands of individuals into the UK, allegedly earned millions from his criminal activities before his release and subsequent move to Britain.
French prosecutors described Jamal as a kingpin of a violent gang and noted his success in facilitating passage to the UK, often using trucks carrying goods like onions and cheese to bypass detection methods. He was reportedly known as 'Pasha' in migrant camps along the French coast. Despite a French law that mandates the refusal of asylum for individuals who have served a prison sentence of one year or more overseas, Jamal is understood to have entered the UK and claimed asylum.
Jamal reportedly used a false name while in the UK and was observed driving a BMW. He is also alleged to have been running two shops, Candy Corner, in the village of Blaby, near Leicester, which were later closed by the local council under anti-social behavior laws. The businesses were reportedly registered under names associated with his brother.
Following reports of his presence in the UK, the Home Office's Criminal and Financial Investigations unit raided the council flat. A Home Office business card was found in the doorframe after the raid. While Leicester City Council stated that the registered tenant has lived at the address for over 15 years and they have no record of a Twana Jamal or Twana Pasha residing there, associates of Jamal have reportedly described seeing 'shady-looking characters' in expensive vehicles visiting the flat.
Jamal is also believed to spend time at a nearby bungalow, valued at approximately £450,000, where a relative is said to live. French officials confirmed Jamal completed his prison sentence but stated they have no information regarding his movements afterward. The case has raised questions about the UK's immigration system and the process for individuals with overseas criminal convictions applying for asylum. Downing Street has stated it is urgently investigating the reports and emphasized a commitment to deporting those without the right to be in the UK.