Two People Jailed After Using Facebook to Help Hundreds Enter the UK Illegally

Two Vietnamese nationals have been jailed for running a large‑scale operation that used Facebook to help at least 250 people enter the UK illegally.

Hop Nguyen, 36, and Hoang Nguyen, 25, both arrived in the UK unlawfully in 2023 before organising illegal crossings from France for under £3,000 per person. They also helped migrants disappear into the Vietnamese community after claiming asylum — even when individuals had already been intercepted by UK authorities.

£750,000 operation uncovered

Ledgers seized from their homes in Leicester and south London showed payments linked to 250 names. Officers from the National Crime Agency also found £8,147 in cash at Hoang Nguyen’s Croydon address.

Investigators believe the pair could have made up to £750,000 between January 2023 and April 2024.

Facebook adverts offering “fast, convenient” illegal entry

The pair advertised their services openly on Facebook, posting messages such as:

“Brothers, sisters who have family members or friends currently in Europe wanting to go to 44 (UK), contact me please! Fast, convenient – prestigious. Price only >3xxx.”

The ads directed people to Zalo, a Vietnamese messaging app, where arrangements and payments were allegedly made.

Arrests and sentencing

Both were arrested in April 2024 and later prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service. They are not related but share the same surname.

At Croydon Crown Court, the pair were sentenced to:

- Hop Nguyen: 12 years in prison  

- Hoang Nguyen: 10 years and 6 months  

Both will be deported after serving their sentences.

Hoang Nguyen’s partner, who lived with her, is currently awaiting extradition to France.

CPS: “A sophisticated operation”

Hilary Ryan, Specialist Prosecutor at the CPS, said:

“Hop Nguyen and Hoang Nguyen advertised on Facebook and arranged illegal travel as part of an international organised crime network trying to undermine UK borders. Their operation was sophisticated and they stood to make hundreds of thousands of pounds.”

She added that the CPS will continue working with the NCA to disrupt similar criminal networks.