A Romanian man has been sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for his involvement in an international human smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of 39 Vietnamese migrants. Marius Mihai Draghici, described as the ringleader’s right-hand man, played a crucial role in exploiting desperate individuals seeking entry into the UK. According to Justice Neil Garnham, Draghici was an essential cog in the operation that generated substantial profits. The victims, who paid approximately £13,000 ($16,770) for what was supposed to be a VIP service, tragically suffocated inside a truck trailer as they attempted to escape. Despite their efforts, they were unable to punch a hole in the container, and the temperature reached over 100 degrees F, leading to their deaths. Prosecutors revealed that there was no hope of escape, and their cries went unheard.
The victims’ final moments were filled with unimaginable suffering and anguish. One young mother wrote a heartbreaking message to her loved ones, expressing her fear that she might die in the container as she struggled to breathe.
The group of migrants, consisting of 28 men, eight women, and three children aged 15 to 44, hailed mostly from Vietnam’s Nghe An province. They came from various backgrounds, including bricklayers, restaurant workers, manicure technicians, and aspiring beauticians. Among them was also a college graduate. Tragically, a married couple, Tran Hai Loc and Nguyen Thi Van, were discovered side by side in the container.
Draghici, 50, pleaded guilty to 39 counts of manslaughter and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration just last month. He is the fifth individual to be sentenced in the UK in connection with this case. The other four gang members received prison terms ranging from 13 to 27 years for manslaughter, with the ringleader, Gheorghe Nica, 46, receiving the harshest sentence. Meanwhile, 18 people were convicted in Belgium, where the Vietnamese ringleader was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Other accomplices were given prison terms ranging from one to ten years.
During the court proceedings, Draghici’s defense lawyer, Gillian Jones, claimed that he was shocked and horrified by the outcome of the smuggling operation. She further stated that he, along with other individuals involved, immediately abandoned the plan and disappeared when the truck container was opened and the lifeless bodies were discovered.
The tragedy has left the families of the victims devastated, many of whom incurred significant debt to finance the ill-fated journey. The parents of 15-year-old Nguyen Huy Hung, who was traveling to join his parents in the UK and pursue a career as a hairdresser, learned of his tragic fate through social media. The father expressed disbelief until he saw his son’s lifeless body with his own eyes, leaving the family numb and grieving for weeks.
This case highlights the dangers faced by migrants who resort to desperate measures to seek a better life. It sheds light on the heart-wrenching reality of human trafficking and the ruthless exploitation of vulnerable individuals. While justice has been served in this instance, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat human smuggling and protect the lives of those who fall victim to this heinous crime.
The sentencing of Draghici and his accomplices serves as a step towards justice for the 39 Vietnamese migrants who lost their lives in this tragic incident. It is a reminder that those who profit from the suffering of others will be held accountable for their actions. As the victims’ families continue to grapple with their profound loss, the hope is that this case will serve as a catalyst for greater awareness and action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
