Two village mini-marts have been shut down following local outrage over their connection to Twana Jamal, an Iraqi national who was previously jailed in France for people smuggling and is now reportedly seeking asylum in the UK.
Blaby District Council served 72-hour closure notices on the shops, Candy Corner and Candy Corner 1, located on Enderby Road and Leicester Road. An application for a three-month closure order is scheduled to be heard at Leicester Magistrates' Court.
Jamal was sentenced to five years in prison in France in 2016 after being apprehended for smuggling migrants into the UK. Authorities at the time described him as a highly successful trafficker, reportedly charging migrants £4,500 per person and earning up to £100,000 monthly by transporting as many as 80 individuals from French coast camps to Britain. He was dubbed the 'Godfather of traffickers.'
Despite being expected to face deportation to Iraqi Kurdistan after his release, Jamal has been reportedly living in Blaby, Leicestershire. A BBC investigation observed Jamal working at the two mini-marts, making deliveries, driving a BMW without a license, and allegedly using a false name.
During an arranged call, Jamal reportedly stated he was based in Leicester, boasted about his local connections, and claimed to be making substantial earnings without fear of apprehension. However, when confronted by the BBC, he denied any involvement in people smuggling, stating he had been in the UK since 2009 and was awaiting a decision on his asylum application. When presented with a photograph from his 2016 court appearance, he responded, "I don't care."
Jamal's presence in the UK has raised questions about the asylum process for individuals convicted of serious crimes, as UK law typically mandates refusal for those sentenced to 12 months or more in prison abroad.
One of the mini-marts is located adjacent to the constituency office of Alberto Costa, the Conservative MP for South Leicestershire. Costa has described Jamal's actions as "utterly unacceptable" and stated he has contacted Leicestershire Police and intends to raise the matter with the Home Office at the "highest level."
Local residents had expressed strong opposition to the shops before the closure notices were issued. One mother of two told the Daily Mail that such an individual was not welcome in their community and that the shops should be closed immediately. Other locals had planned a demonstration.
A spokesperson for Blaby District Council confirmed the closure notices were served in partnership with Leicestershire Police and other agencies to protect the community and mitigate disruption. They emphasized their commitment to the safety and well-being of residents.
Downing Street has stated it is urgently investigating the reports and is working to establish the facts, reiterating a commitment to preventing abuse of the immigration system.
During his trial in France, prosecutors indicated Jamal had operated from the Grand Synthe camp near Dunkirk since approximately 2012. He was known for using trucks carrying goods like onions and cheese to evade carbon dioxide detectors used to find hidden individuals. His nickname in the camps was reportedly 'Pasha.' Jamal had claimed mistaken identity during his trial.