People smuggler jailed for almost nine years

A man has been sentenced to eight years and seven months in prison for people smuggling offences across the English Channel.

Ali Omar Karim, 47, from Portsmouth, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration between September 2022 and April 2023.

At Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Catherine Moore said Karim played a "leading role" in the conspiracy which involved bringing people into the UK by HGV and small boat.

The National Crime Agency said the case was part of a major investigation into a people smuggling operation.

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