A man has received a prison sentence for his role in human trafficking, which involved aiding the unauthorized entry of 47 individuals into the UK.
The case emerged when Sussex Police responded to a harassment incident at a Crawley hotel accommodating asylum seekers on June 26. Investigations revealed that one of the victims, a 22-year-old woman, had been trafficked into the UK.
The woman was transported in a small boat from France, orchestrated and piloted by Kiki Gabar, also known as Salam Jabar, a 29-year-old with no permanent address.
Sussex Police, in collaboration with the Home Office and other agencies, confirmed Gabar’s involvement in smuggling the woman and 46 others into the UK.
Gabar admitted to illegal entry into the UK and was convicted of arranging pre-travel for human trafficking in France, facilitating the illegal entry of 47 people into the UK, and common assault. He was sentenced at Brighton Crown Court on November 21 to four years and one month in prison.
Specialist officers and agencies are providing support and protection to the victim and the other 46 individuals who were trafficked.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Garman, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking lead, said: “Sussex Police take human trafficking and organised immigration offences extremely seriously, and the investigation team has worked tirelessly to secure this conviction.
“We will continue to work alongside partner agencies and victim support services to ensure that vulnerable people are supported and safeguarded from the harm that is caused by human trafficking, whilst ensuring those who take advantage of the vulnerable are held to account through the criminal justice system. “
