:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_19863d4200d245c3a2ff5b383f548bb6/internal_photos/bs/2023/Z/r/6iquRASJqV6CscHALz5Q/sofa-adaptado.jpg "Couple convicted of smuggling Vietnamese people, including children, onto sofas to take them to UK | Stay inside")
A French couple who smuggled Vietnamese migrants, including children, into the UK on sofas suitable for smuggling have been sentenced. The case was heard at Hove Crown Court in England last Friday (15). Glass. The two worked together as delivery drivers in France and used furniture to hide a Vietnamese woman and three children in the back of a rented van.
In the early hours of April 2nd this year, Junior Toussaint and Andre Paul sailed from Dieppe, France to the port of Newhaven, England. When the Border Force police officers searched the van, they became suspicious when they found the adapted sofas under the mattress and other furniture moving around.
In court, the judge sentenced Toussaint, 25, to four years and six months in prison, and Andre, 28, to five years and five months. The defendants told officers that they were unaware of the migrants in their vehicle and that they were in the process of removing furniture in London.
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However, fingerprint analysis carried out by the Border Force proved junior Toussaint was involved in the kidnapping attempt. At the time, he pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting illegal immigration. In addition, investigators discovered that Paul, who has denied involvement, made a series of suspicious visits to the UK earlier this year. He pleaded guilty when video evidence of his earlier activity was shown in court. “Criminals are increasingly trying to smuggle people across the UK border. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of their crimes,” Home Office Deputy Director of Criminal and Financial Investigations Chris Foster said. “Our teams save lives by detecting and intervening in these types of smuggling attempts. I would like to thank my officers for their tireless work. Those responsible must be investigated and made sure they face the full weight of the law,” he concluded.
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Henry Blackwell is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. His work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism.