A man who supplied thousands of small boats and engines to people smugglers in the English Channel has been jailed.
Adem Savas was described by the National Crime Agency, which previously listed him as its most wanted man, as "without a doubt the most significant supplier" to gangs behind the dangerous crossings between 2019 and 2024.
The Turkish national was sentenced to 11 years in prison and received a fine of €400,000 (£346,000) on Wednesday, after admitting to offences of people smuggling and being a member of an organised crime group.
The NCA said he had likely made millions from the operation, having charged on average around £4,000 for packages of boats and engines.
The 45-year-old is also thought to have supplied equipment used in about half of all crossings in 2023, the agency said, "making him a key figure in the European people smuggling hierarchy".
