The Story Inside the fastest growing human trafficking route to the UK
Aug 12, 2025
Shayma Bakht, a dedicated News Reporter at The Times focusing on migration, provides an eye-opening insight into the urgent issue of human trafficking from Vietnam to the UK. She reveals how economic disparities drive thousands to undertake perilous journeys in hopes of a brighter future. The conversation uncovers the unexpected role of smuggling networks and social media in shaping these experiences. With personal stories and stark realities of life in migrant encampments, Bakht highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding this growing crisis.
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Unexpected Surge From Vietnam
- Vietnam's sudden rise as a major source for UK small-boat crossings surprised reporters because the country is not war-torn and its economy is improving.
- The scale jumped from four crossings in 2018 to 3,600 recently, indicating a new, rapid trafficking dynamic.
Local Wealth From Remittances
- The movement concentrates in central provinces like Nghệ An because they are historically poorer despite pockets of new wealth.
- Remittances from migrants in the UK fund conspicuous mansions back home, visibly linking migration and local inequality.
Community-Based Recruitment
- Smugglers exploit tight community networks using a "fellow countryman" recruitment tactic to source trusted migrants.
- Referral chains from one migrant to friends and family accelerate the flow from specific villages.