The container truck carrying 39 bodies may be linked to a large-scale human trafficking ring.
(Baonghean.vn) - The container carrying 39 bodies belonged to a group of three vehicles transporting over 100 people into the UK. However, Essex police said an investigation is needed to determine whether this container was part of a larger human trafficking ring into the UK.
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| The truck carrying 39 bodies was discovered in the Watergrade industrial area, Essex, England. Photo: CNN |
Reports indicate that two of the three vehicles have completed their journey, with the third found at the Watergrade industrial estate in Essex on October 23rd. However, the final destination of the other two containers remains unknown.
Essex police said the aim of the investigation was to determine whether the truck carrying the 39 bodies was part of a larger human trafficking ring smuggling people into the UK.
Chief Inspector Martin Pasmore of the UK Police said: "Questions are being raised to determine whether a large-scale human trafficking conspiracy was involved in this case. But at this time, I cannot say much more."
Tasked with identifying the victims, Mr. Pasmore requested assistance from Vietnamese people in the UK to identify the 39 bodies. The Chief Inspector of the British Police said that upon opening the container, the emergency response team found "very few" identification documents belonging to the victims inside the truck.
Truck driver Maurice Robinson, 25, from Northern Ireland, along with three other suspects, have been arrested in connection with the investigation.
Robinson is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow (October 28) on charges of manslaughter and involvement in human trafficking. Robinson is being prosecuted on 39 counts of manslaughter, human trafficking, assisting illegal immigration, and money laundering.
The Vietnamese Embassy in the UK is actively working with British police and establishing a communication channel with Essex Police to verify the nationality of the victims, closely monitor the situation, and continue to coordinate efforts to expedite the process of identifying the 39 victims who died. The Embassy is prepared to take measures to protect its citizens should any of the victims be Vietnamese nationals.
To receive assistance in case of need, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requests citizens to contact the Citizen Protection hotline of the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK at: +44 7713 181501 or the Citizen Protection Call Center at: +84981 8484 84.
