Albanian was caught smuggling 17 migrants into the UK on yacht

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Eno Gajda, an Albanian fisherman, was arrested off the south coast of England for attempting to smuggle 17 Albanian migrants into the UK by yacht. This case highlights ongoing efforts by UK authorities to disrupt increasingly sophisticated migrant smuggling operations that use maritime routes to evade enhanced surveillance.

An Albanian fisherman was apprehended off the south coast of England on suspicion of attempting to smuggle 17 migrants into the United Kingdom by sea. Eno Gajda, 58, was arrested after sailing a 40-foot yacht from Dielette, near Cherbourg in France, heading toward the UK. His vessel was monitored by Border Security Command (BSC) and the National Crime Agency (NCA) before officers intercepted the yacht near Portland, Dorset.

Following the interception, BSC personnel boarded the yacht, detained Gajda, and escorted the vessel to Portland Marina Harbour. Onboard were 16 Albanian men and one male minor, all of whom were handed over to immigration authorities. Gajda was questioned by NCA officers and subsequently charged with facilitating illegal immigration. He pleaded guilty to the charge at Bournemouth Crown Court and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18.

Andy Tickner, NCA Branch Commander, described the smuggling attempt as “brazen,” highlighting the risks involved in navigating one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Tickner emphasized that combating people smuggling remains a key priority for the NCA, which continues to work toward dismantling criminal networks operating on these routes.

Charlie Eastaugh, Director of Maritime and Small Boats at Border Security Command, praised the collaboration between BSC officers and NCA investigators, noting that people smugglers prioritize profit over human safety. Eastaugh reaffirmed the commitment of law enforcement agencies to prosecute those involved in such illegal activities.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of migrant smuggling attempts in the region, with smugglers increasingly using yachts and other vessels to circumvent heightened UK surveillance and increased French patrols along northern French beaches. Recent cases include the arrest of two Albanians among 10 individuals detained after a powerboat carrying migrants arrived at a small Cornish harbor. Other attempts involved uncontrolled landings by migrant dinghies on beaches near Dover, as well as the interception of a yacht carrying seven Albanian migrants in Chichester marina earlier this year.

The migrant smuggling trade remains profitable, with charges often reaching five-figure sums. According to data from the Migration Observatory at Oxford University, this illicit market targets specific nationalities and continues to evolve in response to enforcement efforts by authorities on both sides of the Channel.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.