An Albanian national, Alket Dauti, has pleaded guilty to the illegal entry into the United Kingdom, following a thorough investigation by the Mail on Sunday that culminated in his arrest. Dauti, 38, was apprehended after it was revealed that he had smuggled hundreds of migrants into Britain via lorries.

The Home Office has commended the investigation conducted by the Mail on Sunday, describing it as "brilliant investigative journalism." The article that led to Dauti's arrest highlighted his activities after he allegedly sneaked back into the UK several months after being released from a prison in Belgium and subsequently deported to Albania.

Reports surfaced that Dauti had been living openly in south-east London, where he posted videos on TikTok driving around the city. His relatives also shared images of him accompanying his two daughters to school, indicating a settled life in a family council home located in Penge.

Upon inquiry, Home Office officials confirmed they had no record of Dauti's entry into the UK. However, mere days after the publication of the investigative report last month, he was apprehended by authorities.

Dauti appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, where he admitted to "entering the UK without leave." The court has scheduled his sentencing for May 12. According to judicial guidelines, he could face a prison term of up to four years, following which he is likely to be deported.

Previously, Dauti had been identified as a key figure in an Albanian crime syndicate responsible for transporting migrants from Belgium to the UK, charging substantial fees—£8,000 for a journey in the back of lorries and £13,000 for a seat in the cab.

His criminal history dates back to 2018 when he was arrested in Penge, at which time he was sentenced in absentia to ten years in Belgium. After serving time, he was deported to Albania last year but is believed to have returned to the UK by November.

The Home Office reiterated its commitment to tackling foreign criminality, stating its "determination" to remove individuals who engage in illegal activities. The department emphasised the importance of community involvement in curbing illegal immigration, which includes both high-quality journalism and public tips drawn through their Immigration Enforcement Hotline.

Source: Noah Wire Services