Mini-Marts Closed Following BBC Investigation
Two mini-marts in Leicestershire connected to a convicted people smuggler identified through a BBC investigation have been closed by the local council.
Twana Jamal, previously described as "the godfather" of migrant camps in northern France, was confronted by BBC reporters while operating one of the stores in Blaby, near Leicester.
Reporters observed Jamal working illegally at both Candy Corner shops, making deliveries, driving a BMW without a licence, and apparently using a false identity.
The two Candy Corner shops have been closed for 72 hours by Blaby District Council under anti-social behaviour legislation. A request for a three-month closure will be submitted to Leicester Magistrates Court on Monday 6 July.
Background on Twana Jamal
Jamal is believed to be seeking asylum in the UK. He stated he had applied and was "still waiting," though the name used on any application is unknown.
UK law mandates refusal of asylum for individuals who have served 12 months or more in prison overseas.
The Iraqi Kurd was sentenced to five years in prison in France in 2016, where authorities labelled him one of the most successful people smugglers ever apprehended, reportedly earning up to £100,000 weekly by transporting illegal immigrants across the Channel.
At that time, freight lorries were the preferred method for cross-channel smuggling rather than small boats.
Jamal claimed mistaken identity during his trial but was convicted and informed he would face deportation to Iraqi Kurdistan after release.
BBC Investigation and Findings
The BBC received a tip-off indicating Jamal was in the UK claiming asylum and subsequently located him in Leicester.
"We know everyone in this city, this city is ours," Jamal boasted to a contact in a recording shared with the BBC.
He added he was making "good money" and that there was work available "moving cigarettes" from a warehouse, paying £300 per job.
"No-one touches us here," he said. "Even the police won't stop you."
Over several days last month in Blaby, BBC reporters observed activity at the two mini-marts, which sold vapes and sweets late into the evening.
Local Authorities and Political Response
Following the BBC report, two local Liberal Democrat councillors stated they had previously reported the stores but no apparent action had been taken.
Paul Hartshorn said he had made five reports about illegal vape sales to Leicestershire County Council, while Sue Jordan said she had alerted Trading Standards three times.
Leicestershire County Council issued a statement confirming ongoing collaboration with police and Blaby District Council to address high street crime and related offences.
"We receive hundreds of reports about the sale of illegal tobacco and illegal vapes and act on the intelligence we have," the council said. "This is a hugely challenging situation nationally and along with our partners we take it very seriously."
Political and Police Statements
One of the closed shops is located adjacent to the constituency office of South Leicestershire's Conservative MP, Alberto Costa.
Costa described Jamal's activities as "utterly unacceptable" and stated he had contacted Leicestershire Police to inquire about their response to the BBC's findings. He also plans to raise the matter with the Home Office at the highest level.
"Let's be clear this man should not be in Blaby, should not be in this country," Costa said. "The fact Jamal had been running a business next door to a member of parliament's constituency office speaks volumes about the character of this individual."
Leicestershire Police stated: "Local officers are working with the local authority and will have proactive patrols in place over the weekend."
Concerns Over Border Controls and Asylum Procedures
Jamal's presence in the UK raises significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of border controls in vetting asylum seekers with serious criminal histories abroad.
Immigration officers informed the BBC that since the UK's departure from the European Union, it has become more challenging to access criminal records from some countries.
Jamal's case is not isolated; the investigation identified over 20 other people smugglers residing in the UK. European law enforcement confirmed 15 cases, including convictions in France, Germany, and Belgium.
Asylum seekers undergo fingerprinting and are checked against UK police records, which may not reveal convictions from other countries.
The Home Office stated:
"All asylum claimants are subject to mandatory security checks to confirm their identity for the purpose of immigration, security and criminality checks."
It added that the UK has "a number of agreements with countries which enable the sharing of criminal record information," and that immigration enforcement action is currently at its highest level in history, with arrests for illegal working up 83%.
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