A Vietnamese people smuggler admits to forging documents and orchestrating dangerous Channel crossings, exposing the deception behind the illegal trade.
In a confession, a prolific Vietnamese people smuggler has revealed the extensive deception behind his criminal enterprise.
The man, known only as Thanh, admitted to the BBC that he had spent nearly two decades forging documents and orchestrating dangerous Channel crossings for Vietnamese migrants.
Thanh, who entered the UK illegally this year, portrayed himself as a desperate victim at first, claiming he had been trafficked.
However, over time, he confessed that this was a lie used to bolster his asylum claim.
He acknowledged that most Vietnamese migrants are not trafficked but simply pretend to be in order to secure their stay in the UK.
The self-proclaimed smuggler detailed his intricate system of forging visas, bank statements and other documents to help Vietnamese clients gain entry to Europe.
He claimed to have assisted over 1,000 people in making the treacherous journey across the Channel, often at great risk to their lives.
Despite expressing some regret, Thanh justified his actions as simply providing a business service, insisting that no one was forced into the illegal activities.
He urged the UK and European governments to do more to dissuade Vietnamese from attempting the risky crossing but admitted his own continued involvement in the smuggling industry.
The interview highlights the complex and deceptive nature of the international people smuggling trade.
As authorities strive to crack down on these dangerous networks, the smugglers themselves seem to be adapting their tactics, blurring the lines between voluntary migration and human trafficking.