People smuggler jailed after using hidden compartment behind DASHBOARD to cram Vietnamese migrant into car
Shocking photos captured by officers show the woman wedged inside a tiny, custom-built hideaway behind the glovebox
HOME OFFICE
A people smuggler has been jailed for attempting to bring a Vietnamese migrant into the UK by cramming her into the dashboard of his car.
Shocking photos captured by officers show the woman wedged inside a tiny, custom-built hideaway behind the Vauxhall Vectra’s glovebox.
Slovakian national Jozef Balog was sentenced to two-and-a-half years for assisting unlawful immigration at Canterbury Crown Court.
In June 2022, the British-registered vehicle was intercepted by Border Force at the UK Control Zone in Coquelles, Northern France.
Jozef Balog was sentenced to two-and-a-half years for assisting unlawful immigration
HOME OFFICE
Balog, 33, claimed to be returning to his home in Manchester after visiting relatives in his home country.
During a search of the car, Border Force officers noticed the carpet was further forward into the footwell than expected.
A subsequent search, which involved the removal of the glovebox, revealed a Vietnamese woman crammed behind the dashboard.
The vehicle had been modified and parts removed to create the tiny hiding place.
The vehicle had been modified and parts removed to create the tiny hiding place
HOME OFFICE
The Vietnamese woman was identified and deemed to be an illegal immigrant.
Steve Blackwell, Deputy Director of Criminal and Financial Investigations at the Home Office, said: “This is a truly shocking case that shows the callous disregard these criminals have for the lives and safety of the vulnerable people they exploit.
“We have once again shown that those who seek to exploit our border will be caught and brought to justice.
“I am grateful to the officers who identified this horrific incident and brought the case to a positive conclusion.”