People smuggler jailed after being stopped near Milton Keynes

According to authorities, Levent Oran, 47, played an important part in the smuggling plot, but absconded before he could stand trial.

The smuggling attempt was uncovered in June 2016 when National Crime Agency (NCA) officers stopped a lorry on Newport Road near Milton Keynes and 11 Albanian nationals were found hidden amongst a load of clothing.

Initial examination indicated the official door seals had been tampered with.

Two men - Astrit Shehu, a passenger in the lorry, and Bagram Hasa, who was waiting nearby - were both arrested on suspicion of assisting illegal immigration and the case was passed to Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigations (CFI).

Two further men - Miklovan Bazegurore and Fation Shuti - who later admitted being organisers, were arrested separately. Both men had been under observation by the NCA for a number of months before the lorry concealment was discovered.

But Oran absconded whilst on bail before he was charged - however CFI continued to work to bring him back to the UK.

And the Turkish national was extradited back to the UK after being arrested in November 2019 in Ljubijana, Slovenia. He was detained after crossing the border from Croatia whilst working as a lorry driver.

After being returned to the UK, Oran appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court on January 27 and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to facilitate illegal migration.

He was jailed at Aylesbury Crown Court yesterday for four years.

Caroline Feldman, from CFI, said: “Oran played an important role in this smuggling plot and was shown to be in close phone contact with one of the main organisers, exchanging messages about timings and meeting points.

“After absconding, Oran may have thought he could escape the consequences of this criminal act, but my investigators were determined that he would face justice.

“The sentence handed down is a clear warning to other people who might be tempted to break the law.”

Bazegurore and Shuti were jailed for nine years at Aylesbury Crown Court on September 19, 2018 for conspiracy to facilitate illegal immigration.

On the same date, Shehu received three years in jail and Hasa received 18 months.

The Albanian adults were detained and subsequently removed from the UK.

Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit here