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Prison for helping Albanians use Guernsey as 'back door' to UK

Prison for helping Albanians use Guernsey as 'back door' to UK

Wednesday 17 January 2024

Prison for helping Albanians use Guernsey as 'back door' to UK

Wednesday 17 January 2024


A 25-year-old Greek national has been sent to prison for helping three Albanian men enter Guernsey illegally by boat.

Drimiand Vuka was arrested after arriving with the three Albanian males in a private boat on 28 July.

Following an investigation, he was sentenced in the island's Royal Court yesterday.

A "coordinated unlawful attempt to move foreign nationals into the UK"

The trio were stopped and searched by Customs Officers shortly after arriving at Guernsey Harbour, after travelling over to the island from France. They had been intending to travel onwards to the UK.

However, as Bailiwick Law Enforcement officials explained, “all three males were refused entry into Guernsey and arrangements were made for them to return to France, from where they had originated."

They continued: “Vuka was quickly identified as facilitating their entry into Guernsey, he was located by Customs Officers and arrested. It is clear from the evidence that this was a co-ordinated unlawful attempt to move foreign nationals into the UK through the Bailiwick.  

This case demonstrates that Guernsey is not immune to the risks posed by organised crime and illegal migration. However, as a result of this investigation and the vigilance of Guernsey Border Agency staff, significant criminality has been disrupted and an individual brought to justice."

Border protection a "top priority"

The Royal Court sentenced Vuka to three years and nine months behind bars. 

Vuka was also recommended for deportation by the court for “being knowingly concerned in facilitating the entry into the Bailiwick of Guernsey of three illegal entrants”.

Bailiwick Law Enforcement officials have since reassured islanders in Guernsey that they take "immigration offences incredibly seriously", labelling the protection of the island's borders and Common Travel Area as a "top priority".

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