Ramal Briem, 33, was linked to a large-scale operation that moved Vietnamese migrants across Europe before arranging Channel crossings into Britain for £1,500 per person. Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that Briem referred to migrants as “chickens” in coded messages exchanged with an accomplice.
Prosecutor Cathlyn Orchard told the court Briem was “an established people smuggler” who played a central role in the operation and received significant financial rewards. She described him as an organised criminal with others working under him.
The Crown’s case outlined how migrants were transported from Vietnam through eastern Europe on work visas, then moved to makeshift camps near Dunkirk and Calais in France. From there, they crossed the Channel in small boats before being placed in migrant accommodation in the UK, where they were later collected and absorbed into local Vietnamese communities.
Investigators recovered a ledger containing more than 1,000 names linked to the operation. French authorities had earlier identified the suspected head of the crime group and sought a European arrest warrant. That individual is reportedly awaiting extradition to France.
Evidence presented in court showed Briem communicating with a man known as “Kevin”, discussing the collection and transport of migrants from countries including Romania and Hungary. In one exchange, Briem agreed to transport individuals at £1,500 each, offering “two free” for every 20 moved.
Police later tracked a French phone number linked to the network travelling into the UK on a Dutch-registered lorry. When the vehicle stopped in Staffordshire, male migrants were seen running from the back.
Briem, who has no previous convictions, admitted conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration but claimed he believed he was involved in cigarette trading. He told the court he was merely helping individuals already in the UK and acting as a facilitator.
However, Judge Andrew Lockhart KC rejected his account, finding that Briem was at the “heart” of the enterprise and had employed others in a serious organised criminal operation.
“He has not told one iota of the truth here today,” the judge said, adding that Briem should expect “a sentence of some considerable length,” which could lead to deportation, subject to a decision by the Home Office.
Briem was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on March 26.
