While British politicians debate tougher border control policies, people smugglers in northern France are quietly running a slick and dangerous operation—one that’s proving more effective than any law enforcement effort to stop it.
In a remote clearing near the French coast, the leader of a major trafficking gang confidently described how easy it still is to get small boats filled with migrants across the Channel.
The trafficker, known as Mamand, wasn’t worried about being caught.
In fact, he laughed off the idea that French police are a threat to his business—claiming they either look the other way or are powerless to intervene.
Smuggler’s Confidence Captured on Camera
Mamand, an Iraqi-Kurdish trafficker, was caught on hidden camera by undercover reporters from The Mail on Sunday.
The video was filmed in a makeshift camp near Dunkirk, where smugglers and migrants gather, waiting for calm waters to make their move.
Smirking in a blue hoodie and white cap, Mamand said his dinghies could carry up to 55 people, each paying £1,270 (€1,500).
That’s nearly £70,000 per crossing—and with calmer summer seas, he’s able to send out multiple boats a day.
“We send. We do not stop,” he told the reporters casually. “Police? No problem.”
French Officers Stand By As Boats Depart
Shockingly, Mamand’s claims were proven accurate the very next morning.
At around 5am, reporters watched as over 50 migrants climbed into a dinghy on Gravelines beach and set sail—right in front of ten French riot officers who did absolutely nothing to intervene.
A navy vessel even approached briefly, but then turned back once the boat seemed stable.
This isn’t a one-off. That same day, six boats carrying 400 migrants arrived in England.
French officers say maritime law prevents them from stopping boats once they’re in the water, as it’s considered too dangerous.
But critics argue it’s just an excuse to avoid accountability.
Summer Staffing Issues and Delayed Facilities
Despite the UK handing over £480 million to France to help stop these crossings, efforts on the ground appear thin and ineffective.
Patrol numbers in northern France reportedly drop during the summer as officers are moved south to manage tourism.
To make matters worse, a migrant detention center promised in Dunkirk—paid for with UK taxpayer money—still hasn’t been built.
Right now, the supposed site is nothing more than an abandoned industrial plot.
Makeshift Camps and Escalating Violence
Reporters found that over 1,000 migrants are currently living in and around Calais and Dunkirk in squalid tent settlements.
In Grande-Synthe, one of the most active areas, communities have created self-sustaining camps, with food stalls, barbers, and gathering spots.
But life in these camps is far from peaceful. Violence has become more frequent.
Just last weekend, a Yemeni migrant was shot twice.
In December, a brawl led to the deaths of two migrants and two security guards.
New Tactics to Beat Patrols
Smugglers are also getting more creative.
Instead of loading passengers at obvious launch sites, they now send empty dinghies from remote areas, then have migrants wade into the sea to board once the boats reach known gathering points.
French police won’t step into the water, citing safety concerns—another loophole the smugglers are using to their advantage.
One officer told reporters that his team of three was powerless when faced with a crowd of 50 migrants.
“We try to do our best,” he said, “but it’s not enough.”
Small Signs of Change—But Boats Still Get Through
By Friday, police appeared to change tactics slightly.
Officers were seen wading into the water and dragging some migrants ashore.
Tear gas and pepper spray were used to clear beaches.
But even with this show of force, several dinghies still made it into the Channel undisturbed.
French officers remain frustrated, insisting they’re bound by laws that prevent them from taking strong action once the boats are in the water.
But critics say that’s not good enough.
Growing Political Frustration in the UK
The revelations have caused a political storm back in Britain.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the French response “completely useless,” accusing them of turning a blind eye despite the huge financial support they’ve received from the UK.
Reform Party MP Lee Anderson wasn’t surprised by what the reporters uncovered.
“It’s the same story as three years ago,” he said. “The French just let them go.
And when they get to England, we roll out the red carpet and put them in hotels. That’s the real problem.”
British Government Responds With Promises
The Home Office insists it’s taking the issue seriously.
A new unit of officers has been deployed to northern France, and efforts are underway to change French operational policies so that maritime forces can intervene earlier—even in shallow waters.
Still, for now, the traffickers seem to be winning.
As long as the weather holds and the laws stay the same, the boats will keep coming—and Mamand and others like him will keep collecting their profits.