Uncle and Nephew Busted in Shocking Migrant Smuggling Plot
Essex man Christopher Crittenden, 45, and his nephew Jake, 30, have been nailed by mobile phone data and video evidence for smuggling migrants into the UK. Christopher got three years behind bars at Canterbury Crown Court, while Jake dodged jail but landed a two-year suspended sentence, 240 hours unpaid work, and a four-month electronic tag.
Six Migrants Secreted in Trailer From Calais
The pair were caught red-handed on 29 September 2019 when six Vietnamese nationals were found hidden under fishing gear in their trailer crossing from Calais to Dover. Initially, they tried to cover their tracks, claiming they were just back from a fishing trip. But prosecutors shredded that story with overwhelming digital proof.
Damning Digital Proof Leaks Their Secrets
- Chats on Christopher’s phone revealed previous immigration crime involvement and clear warnings about the risks.
- Video footage from February 2019 showed him driving a lorry while admitting to ferrying illegal immigrants.
- WhatsApp messages from July 2019 discussed border arrests and boat use, with one saying he was “breaking the law in two countries.”
Officials believe the Crittendens were just small players in a bigger smuggling ring. Two other gang members, Lee Mandell and Gary Rothon, got suspended sentences last October after smuggling eight migrants in 2020.
Prosecutor Slams Callous Cash-Driven Crime
“Christopher Crittenden was motivated by money and showed no concern for the welfare of the migrants,” said CPS Specialist Prosecutor Patricia Strobino. “When asked about the dangers, he just laughed it off.”
Strobino added the mountain of location data and messages left the pair no defence other than a guilty plea.
The Crittendens were convicted under the Immigration Act 1971 for conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry.
