Albanian crack dealer evicted as part of zero-tolerance policy against migrants who threaten national security, sneaks back to UK and lives next to a nursery
- He was one of twelve criminals kicked out as part of Priti Patel’s zero-tolerance policy
- Gjyriqi, 30, entered the country illegally last year on a small boat
A deported Albanian crack dealer has been found two doors away from a nursery after sneaking into Britain.
Armand Gjyriqi was one of 12 criminals deported in 2020 as part of Come on Patelzero-tolerance policy against migrants who threaten Britain’s national security.
His removal was hailed by the then Interior Minister as proof of the government’s crackdown on foreign gangsters and thugs.
But The Mail on Sunday can reveal that 30-year-old Gjyriqi entered the country illegally last year on a small boat, claiming he was a victim of traffickers.
He was granted bail in a court last month after a lawyer from the Home Office failed to show up to oppose it.
CHANNEL CROSSED: Tagged Albanian criminal Armand Gjyriqi, 30
Armand Gjyriqi was one of 12 criminals deported in 2020 as part of Priti Patel’s zero-tolerance policy against migrants who threaten Britain’s national security
Gjyriqi is one of nearly 1,000 serious criminals, including murderers, rapists and drug dealers, who have illegally crossed the Channel and live in the community.
He is fitted with an electronic tag and released on bail to live with his cousin Besmir in Bolton. Their £175,000 terraced house is two doors down from Happitot’s nursery, which looks after 26 children under four.
When the MoS found him last week, he was at the Besmir car wash, despite not being allowed to work. He confirmed his identity, but declined to answer questions.
The case comes as it emerged that 12,000 migrants will be speeded through the asylum system after completing a questionnaire designed to clear a huge backlog.
But the “vast majority” will be stamped without an interview, and criminals like Gjyriqi can slip through and get refugee status if they lie on the form.
An enforcement source said: “The guys on the front lines who arrest these types of criminals are being badly let down by the system.
“They do hard work in difficult conditions, but it seems pointless if migrants can exploit the system so easily. They laugh in our faces when they claim to be victims of human traffickers. They pay them good money to come here.
“The Home Office keeps telling everyone they are tightening security, but the real crisis is unfolding in courtrooms and back offices. Bad decisions are made.’
Gjyriqi came to the UK in 2000 and was granted limited residency, which was extended until 2017, when he was convicted of dealing crack cocaine by the St Albans Crown Court and sentenced to eight years. He served less than half of this before being released, and was deported to Albania in 2020.
But he traveled back and boarded a small boat from France in May 2022 and arrived in Dover. He was arrested for violating his deportation order and spent four months in pretrial detention before being transferred to immigration detention.
He applied for asylum, said he was a victim of traffickers, and applied for bail while his case was pending.
The Interior Ministry said: “We remain resolute in our commitment to deport those who would abuse our hospitality.”
CHANNEL CROSSED: Tagged Albanian criminal Armand Gjyriqi, 30