Mini-marts linked to convicted people smuggler closed after investigation

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Mini-marts linked to convicted people smuggler closed after investigation Figure caption, "I never, I never": Watch Twana Jamal's reaction when confronts him about people smugglingBySue Mitchell and Paul Kerley, NewsPublished5 minutes agoTwo Leicestershire mini-marts linked to a convicted people smuggler exposed in a investigation have been closed by the local council. Twana Jamal, once described as "the godfather" of migrant camps in northern France, was recently confronted by our reporting team while running one of the stores, in Blaby on the outskirts of Leicester. Reporters had witnessed him working illegally at both shops, making deliveries, driving a BMW without a licence, and apparently using a false name.

The shops - both called Candy Corner - have now been shut for 72 hours by the local council, Blaby District, under anti-social behaviour laws. An application for a three-month closure will be made at Leicester Magistrates Court on Monday 6 July. Jamal is believed to have been seeking asylum in the UK.

The Details

He told us he had applied and was "still waiting". It is not known what name he used on any application. UK law says anyone who has spent 12 months or more in prison overseas should be refused asylum.

The Iraqi Kurd was given a five-year jail sentence in France in 2016, where authorities described him as one of the most successful people smugglers ever caught - earning up to £100,000 a week from moving illegal immigrants across the Channel. At that time, the mode of travel preferred by cross-channel smugglers was freight lorries rather than small boats. Image caption, One of two shops in Blaby, Leicestershire, that have now been closedJamal claimed in court his had been a case of mistaken identity, but he was found guilty and told he faced deportation back to Iraqi Kurdistan after his release.

The recently received a tip-off that he was in the UK and claiming asylum. We tracked him down to Leicester. "We know everyone in this city, this city is ours," he boasted to a contact in a recording shared with the .

What Experts Say

He added that he was making "good money" and there was work to be had "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, a team watched comings and goings at the two mini-marts, which sold vapes and sweets until late in the evening. Image caption, Twana Jamal in a French courtroom in 2016, where he received a five-year sentenceAfter we published our investigation, two local Liberal Democrat councillors said they had previously reported the stores, but that no action appeared to have been taken. One, Paul Hartshorn said he had made five reports about the selling of illegal vapes to Leicestershire County Council, while another, Sue Jordan, said she had alerted Trading Standards three times.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.