Two Jailed for Smuggling Migrants from France to Essex via Light Aircraft

Albanian nationals Myrteza Hilaj and Kreshnik Kadena sentenced after an eight-year investigation by the National Crime Agency.

• Hilaj and Kadena facilitated nine migrant journeys in 2016 and 2017, including three by light aircraft.
• Migrants paid up to £10,000 for transit and additional fees for fake documents.
• The operation safeguarded over 50 migrants and led to multiple arrests and convictions.
• The investigation uncovered a broader crime network involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.
• Four forgery factories were shut down, and nearly £1 million in assets were confiscated.

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