A man described as the "godfather" of French migrant camps, who was convicted of people smuggling and sentenced to five years in prison in France in 2016, has been tracked down by the BBC living in Leicestershire, England. The investigation revealed Twana Jamal is believed to be seeking asylum in the UK and was observed working illegally, driving without a license, and potentially using a false name.

Jamal, who received a five-year jail sentence in France for his role in people smuggling operations, was located in Blaby, Leicestershire, following a tip-off earlier this year. The BBC investigation documented him working illegally and operating a vehicle without a valid license, suggesting the use of a false identity.

This discovery raises significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of current border control measures. Law enforcement officials in mainland Europe have indicated that approximately 15 other convicted people smugglers are believed to be residing in the UK under assumed names. This situation prompts questions about how individuals with serious criminal convictions overseas are able to enter and remain in the country.

The Home Office has stated that all asylum claimants undergo mandatory security checks to verify their identity for immigration, security, and criminality assessments. They also highlighted existing agreements with other countries that facilitate the sharing of criminal record information, asserting that immigration enforcement actions are currently at their highest historical levels.

The BBC's investigation, detailed in a BBC Sounds series titled "To Catch a King," aims to shed light on the complexities of tracking individuals involved in organized crime who may be attempting to integrate into society under new identities. The report suggests a potential gap in the system that allows such individuals to evade detection.

Experts have expressed concern that the presence of convicted people smugglers within the UK could undermine efforts to control illegal immigration and pose security risks. The ability of these individuals to potentially continue their activities or influence others remains a key area of focus.

Further details of the investigation, including footage and extensive background information on Twana Jamal's past activities, are available through BBC News and the BBC Sounds platform. The report underscores the challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and verifying the identities of individuals seeking asylum.

The investigation raises a number of unresolved questions about the extent of this issue, the specific mechanisms that may have allowed individuals with such criminal histories to enter the UK, and what further measures might be necessary to enhance border security and criminal record checks.