Three men have been convicted over multiple failed attempts to smuggle Vietnamese migrants across the Channel.

The group, who were all from the Folkestone area, led the operation in 2018, which relied on unseaworthy vessels and dangerously inadequate navigation techniques in what investigators described as a “reckless enterprise”.

During a 10-day period in August 2018, the men made five attempts to smuggle the migrants from France to the UK, of which four trips were on a boat called the ‘Sorel Light’.

The efforts failed due to mechanical issues and intervention by French authorities.

Freddy Lawrence, 57, from Folkestone, along with Keith Baigent, 63, also from Folkestone, and Paul Giglia, 64, from Cheriton, led the operation.

On their final attempt, French police, acting on intelligence from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), intercepted the Sorel Light near Wimereux.

Migrants were spotted wading into the sea to reach the boat, signalling with lights.

Police arrested 11 Vietnamese migrants, along with two accomplices on the boat. A twelfth migrant, who fell into the water, was also detained.

In this operation, Lawrence conspired with Ronald Scott, Toby Lake, and Stephen Chapman.

Chapman, based in France, coordinated the effort from overseas but was arrested alongside Scott and Lake during the final attempt.

French authorities sentenced the trio to prison terms ranging from one to two-and-a-half years.

Investigators revealed that Lawrence purchased the Sorel Light for £30,000 but ignored safety advice.

When its engine failed, he resorted to using a smaller boat, which also broke down during an attempted crossing.

Lawrence used pay-as-you-go phones, unregistered vehicles, and cash transactions to conceal his activities, but he was arrested in October 2018. He is already serving prison time for unrelated drug offences.

Last month, at Canterbury Crown Court, Lawrence pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration.

Baigent and Giglia were convicted in mid-November and await sentencing in 2025.

NCA senior investigating officer Dave Rock said: “This was a completely reckless enterprise which, had it been successful, would have put migrants into grave danger given the condition of the vessels, and the lack of experience of those trying to sail them.

“Lawrence and his associates were trying to navigate their way through one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, which was wilful negligence on their part.

“They were perfectly happy to risk the lives of their human cargo for the sake of profit. Fortunately, we were able to work closely with our French partners to stop them.

“Cases like these strengthen our resolve to dismantle the criminal networks behind organised immigration crime, and pursue every option available to save lives.”

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, added: “This government is determined to take down the dangerous people smuggling gangs who prey on vulnerable people and fuel dangerous and illegal journeys.

“These callous criminals put several lives on the line and their vile scheme could have easily ended in tragedy.

“I’d like to thank the skilled investigators at the National Crime Agency for their tireless work to identify and disrupt these people smugglers who abuse our borders and put lives at risk.

“This case is a clear display that we won’t watch on while criminals flagrantly undermine our security. Those who participate in this evil trade will face the full force of the law.”