Vietnamese Smuggler Reveals Migrant Journey Tactics

In an alarming rise in Vietnamese migrants crossing the English Channel, a smuggler opened up about the fraud and deception employed to secure European visas. More than 2,000 Vietnamese nationals have made the treacherous crossing this year alone, becoming the largest group arriving by small boats. Statistics reveal it's also the deadliest year on record, with over 50 fatalities reported. Investigative journalist Andrew Harding engaged with this smuggler, who illuminated the surge in Vietnamese migrants fleeing from crippling business debts and loan shark threats back in Vietnam. Despite knowing the inherent dangers of the journey, one migrant expressed a lack of alternatives, stating, 'If I return, I have nothing there.' In the UK, authorities are grappling with rising concerns of human trafficking and modern slavery tied to these illegal crossings. Another smuggler, referred to as 'Tan', detailed the lucrative but perilous smuggling trade, revealing how he previously forged documents to facilitate travel for many. He further lamented the misconceptions about life in the UK, urging fellow Vietnamese against making the risky journey.