Human traffickers sentenced following Met investigation

Three members of London-based people smuggling network, who charged £11,000 to bring people to the UK have been sentenced following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service.

The Met received intelligence suggesting service stations across the M25 and beyond were being used to transport migrants who were being smuggled into the UK through the back of HGVs.

During their investigation officers uncovered CCTV footage which showed they were then transferred to other vehicles before being taken into London.

Detectives established up to 20 Albanian nationals were brought into London through the gang in the 18 months they operated. However, in reality the figure is likely to be many more.

They were brought to justice after officers tracked vehicles, scoured through CCTV at service stations and used surveillance to identify the ring leaders.

Once arrested, analysis of phones found communication between the smugglers and HGV drivers organising the meeting point and transfers.

Acting Detective Inspector Stuart Jack, who led the investigation, said:

“The team worked tirelessly to put these three criminals behind bars, where they can no longer exploit vulnerable people.

"Our investigation has shown that, ultimately, this case was all to do with money – an illegal money-making conspiracy, driven entirely by profit.

“We know that people smuggled into the UK are often exploited further when they arrive or are forced to work for the organised criminal networks who brought them over, therefore driving further crime in the capital and beyond.

“I would urge people, particularly HGV drivers, to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police. Despite what some people may believe, this isn’t a victimless crime.”

At Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 27 March, three defendants were sentenced for conspiracy to facilitate a breach of UK immigration law by a non-UK national.

• Toni Liko, 42 (07.02.84), of Ealing Road, Wembley was sentenced to five years and eight months

• Klement Gjika, 44 (02.10.81), of Hemingford Road, Islington was sentenced to five years and eight months

• Stelian Bodnariu, 37 (05.09.88), of Park Way, Edgware was sentenced to three years and four months

The group were arrested on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 and charged the following day.

Following a seven-week trial which started on Monday, 8 December at Southwark Crown Court, the three men were convicted by a jury on Thursday, 12 February.

If you have information about people-smuggling or organised immigration crime, contact police on 101 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.