Five people smugglers who locked desperate migrants inside 'coffin-like hides' have been jailed for a combined total of 24 years and two months, the Home Office said. The gang members were sentenced following a trial at Reading Crown Court on May 9.
Paramjeet Singh Baweja, 50, and Viljit Singh Khurana, 45, organised the illegal passage of 35 Afghan refugees, including children as young as two and one person with physical disabilities, into the UK. The refugees were concealed within purpose-built wooden hides which were screwed into place.
The hides were fitted into vans, which were then driven through French, Belgian, and UK ports. Some migrants were only discovered after they were heard shouting for help.
