Three jailed for people smuggling gang operating from London

Three men have received prison sentences for their involvement in a people smuggling ring that facilitated illegal entry into France. Shuhal Ahmed, Robiul Islam, and Qasim Jan were sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday. They were part of a larger group of 21 individuals involved in the criminal enterprise.

The gang operated over a seven-month period, from July 2025 to January 2026, and was responsible for 10 separate smuggling attempts. Migrants paid approximately £1400 for each journey. While many were legally in the UK, they sought to bypass European Union entry restrictions. The National Crime Agency (NCA) stated that the investigation dismantled the entire network.

London connections

The operation had significant links to East London. Shuhal Ahmed, 44, identified as one of the leaders, charged individuals for assistance in evading border and immigration checks to enter France. Robiul Islam, 50, a taxi driver, transported migrants, primarily from Pakistan and Bangladesh, from London to Kent. From there, plans for crossing the English Channel were made.

A specific operation uncovered in January saw 23 people transported from London to a location close to Whitstable, in Kent. They were then loaded onto a lorry destined for Dover.

Sentencing details

Shuhal Ahmed received a sentence of eight and a half years imprisonment. Robiul Islam was sentenced to five years. Qasim Jan, also a taxi driver, was given a four-year prison term. The NCA reported that the combined sentences for the gang members totalled 84 years.

Senior investigating officer John Turner commented on the success of the operation. He stated that the investigation had dismantled the entire criminal network, from its organisers down to the drivers involved in transporting people illegally. Turner added that the NCA hopes the sentences serve as a warning to others considering similar activities, highlighting the increased chances of apprehension.