By James Simons-
A lorry driver has been sentenced to three years in prison for attempting to smuggle a wanted criminal out of the UK.
The 28-year-old Macedonian national, Muhamed Alievski,(pictured) was apprehended by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers in Ashford, Kent, on August 5 in an intelligence-led operation.
The arrest unfolded as NCA officers discovered a 22-year-old Albanian man in the back of Alievski’s lorry. The Albanian individual was sought for breaching a court order following a conviction for drug offenses. Prompt action by the NCA ensured both men were taken into custody.
Alievski later pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of a people smuggling organized crime group. On Friday, November 10, a judge at Canterbury Crown Court sentenced him to three years behind bars.
NCA senior investigating officer Andrew MacGill highlighted the severity of Alievski’s actions, stating, “This man was willing to smuggle a wanted criminal out of the country for money. Corrupt lorry drivers like him provide a crucial service for the organized criminal groups involved in people smuggling, and the NCA is determined to disrupt and dismantle these networks.”
The incident sheds light on the tactics employed by organized criminals, who often exploit individuals within the haulage industry to facilitate their illicit activities. In many cases, those involved are enticed with financial rewards in exchange for their participation in smuggling operations.
The authorities hope such operations will act as a deterrent and contribute to the broader effort to combat organized crime in the UK.