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A writer warned about criminal use of shipping containers just months before 39 Vietnamese migrants were found dead in the back of a lorry in Essex.
Novelist Wensley Clarkson penned his latest book in August in which he sought to expose the "netherworld" operating from the Dartford Crossing.
In The Crossing: The Shocking Truth about Gang Wars in Brexit Britain, the author claims rival gangs compete for control of the transport hub which connects Kent with Essex.
The book alleges gangs target it for a range of criminal activity, which includes drug smuggling, people trafficking, prostitution and money laundering.
This is because it is home to various derelict buildings, empty council estates and most importantly, disused shipping containers.
“The Dartford Crossing has lots of empty council estates that are perfect for them to move into," he said.
"They even have a secret converted shipping container in Dartford where cars can drive in and change their registration plates.
"This makes it incredibly difficult for the police to track them down."
The novelist's words were brought into sharp focus last month following the tragedy at the Waterglade Industrial Park at the Essex approach to the QEII bridge.
He added: "What happened was appalling. Every aspect was appalling and really tragic.
"Loads of families waiting to meet their loved ones and they have just disappeared.
"And I have to say in many other instances, I bet they literally disappear. In other words these lorries are not found with the bodies.
"When people die, the smugglers get rid of the bodies. So these people are left without any closure which is awful in itself."
Two Northern Irish men have been charged after the bodies were found close to an industrial estate in Purfleet on October 23.
Detectives are currently investigating links to possible organised crime but Mr Clarkson says the police are often ill-equipped to deal with such mobs.
"There is a new criminal underworld. The police do not know who these people are. There is often no way they can infiltrate them.
"Purfleet was a weak spot. It was a classic, targeted port which is perfect for people smuggling."
Mr Clarkson's novel claims the British 'old firm' of the 1970s are now being run out of these areas by the 'new kids on the block', a complex network of professional eastern European gangs.
The new gang leaders, which he claims are mostly Albanians, don’t live in the country but have an endless supply of young criminals at their disposal. A small number of which are young British men working for them.
He said: “The knife crime epidemic has escalated because they are working for the east European gangs."
He says the only way to get a proper handle on the situation is for authorities to work together across Europe to "identify them through their fingerprints".
Research for the book came from writer's direct interactions with key gang members involved, something he says at times has been incredibly risky.
Mr Clarkson first found out about the Dartford gang circuit while working as a crime reporter investigating the ‘Bermuda crime triangle’ of Dartford, Swanley and Brand’s Hatch.
A crime circuit which he claims was responsible for "around 70% of armed robberies in the 1970s".
During this time he came into contact with the notorious gang leader, Kenneth Noye who hit the headlines after he fatally stabbed Stephen Cameron on an M25 slip road near Swanley in 1996.
It wasn't until many years later, however, that he gained the trust of gang members he had previously been reporting on.
He said: “Around four years ago, old school criminals in Dartford invited me down. That’s how long it has taken me to research and write this book.
"I understand that world. It’s taken me a long time to gain the trust of a small number of people. I was able to show I could tell their stories but in a way so I’m not pointing fingers.”
The book's full title alludes to a volatile political backdrop amid the current Brexit negotiations.
Mr Clarkson claims the old guard naively believe the UK's departure will help them 'reclaim' their territory.
"The situation is a tinderbox waiting to happen," he said. "Whatever happens in Brexit it won't make a difference to the gangs operating here."
'The Crossing' is published by John Blakes Books and is available to purchase now.
