An Albanian people smuggler who bought inflatable kayaks and paddles to help migrants illegally cross the channel has been jailed.
Arsen Feci, 49, from Nottingham, was extradited back to the UK and sentenced to five years and four months in prison at Nottingham Crown Court.
He was caught by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) after they started an investigation following a sighting of migrants being taken off a small boat in Kent October 9, 2022.
The 49-year-old, alongside Banet Tershana, Klodian Shenaj, Jetmir Myrtaj and British national Desmond Rice, used the same point at Joss Bay for a second trip weeks later.
Arsen Feci, 49, from Nottingham, was extradited back to the UK and sentenced to five years and four months in prisoN
NCA
One of the vessels - a rigged-hulled inflatable boat - was purchased by Feci from Halfords. He was also spotted buying two paddles and a pump on CCTV.
Investigators also caught the 49-year-old sourcing “staff” to help with the crossings.
The boat - which was being watched by the NCA - flagged it to the Belgian police before it began its journey from Belgium to the UK on October 29, 2022.
After intercepting the boat, Belgian officers found 12 migrants, including a woman and a child, being loaded aboard.
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He was also spotted buying two paddles and a pump on CCTV
NCA
There were also six life jackets that were unsuitable for use at sea.
The two pilots, aged 35 and 45, were prosecuted in Belgium and subsequently jailed, whilst Feci, Tershana, Rice, Myrtaj and Shenaj were arrested in the UK in the following weeks.
Feci appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on March 21, 2023 and was bailed pending his next appearance.
However, he quickly fled to Spain where he lived on the run until August 2024, where he was rearrested. He finally returning to the UK in November 2024.
Appearing at court on February 17, 2025, he pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration to the UK and was jailed.
The boat was watched by the NCA who flagged it to the Belgian police before it began its journey from Belgium to the UK on October 29, 2022
NCA
NCA Branch Commander Derek Evans said: “Feci is the final piece of the puzzle in this organised people smuggling group, taking migrants on dangerous journeys across the Channel and undoubtedly making significant money as a result.
“While he may have tried to distance himself by not being involved in the purchase of the boat, he was integral in finding people to pilot the vessel and buying equipment to ensure the crossings were a success.
“Feci thought he could avoid justice by fleeing to Spain but our international reach and assistance from partners saw him brought back to the UK where he pleaded guilty to the charges against him.
“Tackling organised immigration crime is an NCA priority and we will continue to target people smugglers like Feci and his group working both in the UK and overseas.”
