People smuggler hides illegal migrant in compartment behind car dashboard in bid to cross the Channel
AN ILLEGAL migrant is seen in a hidden compartment behind a car dashboard.
People smuggler Jozef Balog, 33, was caught trying to bring the Vietnamese woman across the Channel in a Vauxhall Vectra at Coquelles, France.
Balog, of Manchester, was sentenced to 2½ years’ jail at Canterbury crown court.
The Vietnamese woman was identified and served with paperwork.
Steve Blackwell, Deputy Director of Criminal and Financial Investigations at the Home Office, said: “This is a truly shocking case that shows the callous disregard these criminals have for the lives and safety of the vulnerable people they exploit.
“We have once again shown that those who seek to exploit our border will be caught and brought to justice.
“I am grateful to the officers who identified this horrific incident and brought the case to a positive conclusion.”
It comes as five people have tragically died after a migrant boat overturned in the English Channel.
An urgent rescue mission was launched when it’s understood around 70 people – including ten children – boarded the small vessel headed towards England.
As it made its way through French waters near Wimereux, to the south of Calais, it capsized in the early hours on Sunday morning.