APD | UK charges driver over deaths of 39 people found in truck

By APD writer Aditya Nugraha

The United Kingdom (UK) police have imposed multiple charges against driver of the horror truck in a case which is regarded as one of UK’s biggest case of people smuggling.

The driver was the first to be charged in the case. Three others have been detained related to police’s investigation into the case.

The driver, 25 year-old Maurice Robinson, is facing charges of conspiracy to traffic people, conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and money laundering, manslaughter with 39 body counts in connection with bodies found in the container of the truck he was driving.

He was expected to appear in court on Monday.

Initial reports said the all of the 31 men and 8 women whose bodies found on Wednesday in Essex came from China. The latest development indicated that at least some could be from Vietnam.

UK authorities asked public’s help as efforts to confirm identities of those bodies are underway at present.

“If you come to us, we will do all we can to put our arm around you and take you through this process, and establish as quickly as possible whether or not we have your loved ones involved in this tragic incident, and try and reunite you,” Essex police Martin Pasmore said.

“We understand some people may be frightened but I hope people will put trust in me and make that leap of faith – Essex Police will not look to take any action against you,” he added.

Police in the English county of Essex said the case is the largest mass fatality victim identification process in its history. All of the victims appear to have belongings of some description. More than 500 exhibits have already been identified.

Officials at Vietnam’s embassy in London said they did not have official confirmation of the identity of the 39 who died but added that they remained in close contact with the UK authorities.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)