‘Global ring’ involved in smuggling

CHELMSFORD: A court heard yesterday a global ring had been involved in smuggling the 39 people whose bodies were found in a truck near London, as the driver faced charges of manslaughter and people trafficking.

The discovery of the bodies last week in a refrigerated truck on an industrial estate near London has shone a spotlight on the illicit trade that sends the poor of Asia, Africa and the Middle East on perilous journeys to the West.

The truck’s driver, Maurice Robinson (25), appeared in Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court via video link. He spoke only to confirm his name, address and British nationality.

Robinson faces 43 charges — 39 counts of manslaughter as well as conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration, and money laundering.

‘‘This involves a global ring facilitating the movement of a large number of immigrants into the UK,’’ prosecution lawyer Ogheneruona Mercy Iguyovwe told the court. She said other suspects were still being sought.

Robinson was remanded in custody until November 25, when the case will continue at the Old Bailey, and he will enter a plea.

He was arrested shortly after the bodies were found near the port of

Purfleet. The container they were in had travelled from Belgium.

‘‘The whole nation and indeed the world has been shocked by this tragedy, and the cruelty of the fate that has been suffered by innocent people who were hoping for a better life in this country,’’ British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote in a book of condolences.

Interior minister Priti Patel told parliament the investigation would unravel ‘‘criminality that could stretch halfway across the world’’.

Many of the dead appear to have come from Vietnam’s northern ricegrowing areas of Nghe An and Ha Tinh. — Reuters