Ex-Smuggler Reveals How Yachts Offer a New Route for Migrants to the UK

A former British soldier turned people smuggler has shared his story of how he transported Vietnamese migrants into the UK via private marinas. He was arrested and sentenced to prison in 2019, yet similar smuggling methods persist, raising concerns among authorities.

According to Border Force, many of these marinas lack strict security. One harbourmaster likened them to caravan sites, suggesting it’s easy to sneak in migrants.

The ex-soldier, whom we’ll call Nick, explained how he used to conceal both Vietnamese and Albanian migrants in cars and yachts for transport. He described the smuggling routes as simple and low-risk, expressing frustration that he was jailed while the smuggling trades continue.

Nick’s operation initially began in 2009 when he was struggling financially. A friend recruited him to smuggle migrants, offering £3,500 for each successful transport. He used to pick up migrants in hiding near French ferry ports, subsequently smuggling them across the English Channel.

In a notable instance, he recalled picking a lorry on a ferry, then helping migrants jump onto it mid-journey. Nick later expanded his methods to yachts, ferrying Vietnamese migrants into Ramsgate Marina.

Interestingly, Nick’s activities align with a worrying trend. In 2025, over 12,500 people attempted to cross the English Channel in small boats, often seeking asylum. In contrast, the migrants Nick transported generally aimed to avoid detection.

An expert on border security noted, "While not all migrants wish to be seen, the risks involved—especially by boat—are grave." More than 400 migrants died attempting to cross the Channel in 2024, marking a tragic record.

Nick managed to smuggle migrants for up to 18 months before authorities caught on. He reflected, "I regret a lot of it… but I don’t know that it would have ever been any different."

His story underscores ongoing vulnerabilities in the UK’s coastal security and raises questions about migration controls. With private marinas often unmonitored, the call for enhanced border security is more pressing than ever.

For more details on the challenges faced in UK border control, check out BBC’s report.

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