Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,
In April 2023, Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre in Bedfordshire experienced a significant security breach when eight detainees escaped during a coordinated disturbance. The incident began with a protest in the facility’s gymnasium, where detainees drove out staff, disabled security cameras, and used gym equipment to scale the perimeter fences. While many escapees were quickly apprehended, eight men managed to evade immediate capture, prompting a nationwide manhunt.
The escapees, all Albanian nationals, dispersed to various locations across the UK, including London, Huddersfield, and other regions. Bedfordshire Police, in collaboration with the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, led an extensive seven-week operation to locate and apprehend the fugitives. Some surrendered voluntarily, while others were tracked down through diligent police work.
The individuals involved and their subsequent legal outcomes are as follows:
• Rizah Koka, 29: Arrested in Colindale, London, alongside another individual. A search of their associated address uncovered substantial quantities of cocaine and cannabis, as well as approximately £70,000 in cash. Koka pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and cocaine, possession of criminal property, and escaping lawful custody. He received a five-year prison sentence, which included six months for the escape.
• Mexhit Palushi, 24: Apprehended with Koka in London. Found in possession of a fake Polish driving licence. Pleaded guilty to similar drug-related charges and possession of false identity documents. Sentenced to five years and three months in prison.
• Samuel Boka, 22: Detained after arriving at the address linked to Koka and Palushi during the police search. Pleaded guilty to drug supply offences and possession of false identity documents. Received a four-year prison sentence.
• Mariglen Coha, 32: Located asleep at an address in Huddersfield, an area previously associated with cannabis cultivation. Pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody and was sentenced to seven months in prison.
• Arnold Lleshaj, 28: Surrendered at a police station in Hinkley, Leicestershire. Pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody, violent disorder, and criminal damage. Received a 22-month prison sentence.
• Enea Shima, 28: Arrested by Metropolitan Police officers at an address in Bromley, south London. Pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody and was sentenced to six months in prison.
• Thanas Bizhoti, 28: Turned himself in at a police station in Romford, east London. Pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody and received a seven-month prison sentence.
• Bilbil Bodini, 27: Apprehended at an address in Hendon, north London. Pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody and was sentenced to eight months in prison.
• Luftim Hallaci, 21: Surrendered at a police station in Kempston, Bedfordshire. Pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody and criminal damage, resulting in an eight-month prison sentence.
• Ervin Morati, 21: Arrested in a coffee shop in Watford town centre. Pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody and was sentenced to eight months in prison.
The investigation also led to the arrest of individuals who assisted in the escape or were involved in related criminal activities:
• Xhek Spahiu, 25, and Adrian Voci, 36: Both detained near Yarl’s Wood shortly after the escape. Pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody and received prison sentences of nine months and eight months, respectively.
• Alket Hida, 31: Pleaded guilty to assisting two of the prisoners with their escape and was jailed for 15 weeks.
In total, 13 men were convicted as a result of the investigation, receiving combined sentences exceeding 21 years. The incident shed light on the vulnerabilities within immigration detention facilities and highlighted the challenges posed by organized criminal networks operating within the UK.
The events surrounding the escape and subsequent manhunt were featured in the Channel 4 documentary “24 Hours In Police Custody: Breakout,” which aired on January 6, 2025.
Attached is a News article regarding the 8 men who escaped from yarl wood detention centre
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czenz1dlnk4o.amp
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>
<script src="https://cdn-eu.pagesense.io/js/smilebandltd/45e5a7e3cddc4e92ba91fba8dc
No comments:
Post a Comment