Romanian man jailed for attempting to smuggle four migrants in hidden lorry compartment

Marian-Marius Radu faces deportation at the end of his sentence Credit: Home Office

A Romanian man has been jailed after he attempted to smuggle four migrants in a hidden lorry compartment into the UK.

Following a Home Office Investigation, the 23-year-old has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to attempting to smuggle four Vietnamese nationals into the UK.

Marian-Marius Radu, a Romanian national, was stopped by Border Force Officers in September 2024, when officers at Dover intercepted four individuals walking through vehicle lanes near Dover port.

It was later revealed that the individuals were Vietnamese nationals who had exited a three-and-a-half-tonne lorry driven by Radu.

CCTV footage showed Radu acting suspiciously while queueing to leave Dover port Credit: Home Office

CCTV footage showed Radu acting suspiciously while queueing to leave Dover port. He was using his phone, scanning the area, and adjusting the lorry’s cab mirrors to look around in an attempt to avoid detection.

The footage later revealed that Radu lifted a curtain behind him in the cab of the lorry and directed the four migrants out of the lorry, thinking nobody had noticed.

Radu and the lorry were then intercepted by Border Force officers and further searches of the vehicle uncovered a set of plates under the passenger seat, corresponding to the registration details under which the lorry was booked onto the ferry.

The four Vietnamese nationals were detained and processed by immigration authorities.

Radu lifted a curtain behind him in the cab of the lorry and directed the four migrants out of the lorry, thinking nobody had noticed. Credit: Home Office

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle said, “This government is committed to securing the UK’s borders as part of our Plan for Change. We are determined to end unlawful migration and dismantle the criminal people-smuggling gangs that exploit vulnerable people.These gangs charge high fees for dangerous journeys that put vulnerable lives at risk."

Steve Blackwell, Deputy Director of Criminal and Financial Investigations, Immigration Enforcement said, “This sentencing shows that people smuggling has serious consequences and that those involved in this dangerous and illegal activity will be stopped. The UK will not tolerate criminals exploiting vulnerable people and putting lives at risk. Radu’s actions were all about greed, with no thought for the lives he was endangering. This result shows he has been held accountable and will face justice for his reckless actions."