Albanian crack dealer deported as part of a zero-tolerance policy against migrants who threaten national security sneaks back into UK and lives next to a children’s nursery
- He was one of 12 criminals kicked out as part of Priti Patel’s zero-tolerance policy
- Gjyriqi, 30, re-entered the country illegally last year on a small boat
A deported Albanian crack dealer has been found living two doors from a children’s nursery after sneaking back into Britain.
Armand Gjyriqi was one of 12 criminals kicked out in 2020 as part of Priti Patel’s zero-tolerance policy against migrants who threaten Britain’s national security.
His removal was hailed by the then Home Secretary as evidence of the Government’s crackdown on foreign gangsters and thugs.
But The Mail on Sunday can reveal that Gjyriqi, 30, re-entered the country illegally last year on a small boat, claiming he was a victim of people-traffickers.
He was granted bail at a court last month after a Home Office lawyer failed to show up to oppose it.
CROSSED CHANNEL: Tagged Albanian criminal Armand Gjyriqi, 30
Armand Gjyriqi was one of 12 criminals kicked out 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 crossed the Channel illegally and are living in the community.
He has been fitted with an electronic tag and bailed to live with his cousin Besmir in Bolton. Their £175,000 terrace house is two doors from Happitots day nursery, which looks after 26 children under four.
When the MoS found him last week he was at Besmir’s car wash, despite not being allowed to work. He confirmed his identity but would not answer any questions.
The case comes as it emerged that 12,000 migrants will be fast-tracked through the asylum system after completing a questionnaire designed to clear a huge backlog.
But the ‘vast majority’ will be rubber-stamped without an interview, and criminals such as Gjyriqi could slip through and gain refugee status if they lie on the form.
An enforcement source said: ‘The guys on the front line who apprehend criminals like this are being badly let down by the system.
‘They are doing a tough job in difficult circumstances, but it seems there’s no point when migrants can exploit the system so easily. They are laughing in our faces when they claim to be victims of people-traffickers. They pay them good money to get here.
‘The Home Office keeps telling everyone they’re tightening up security, but the real crisis is unfolding in courtrooms and back offices. Bad decisions are being made.’
Gjyriqi came to the UK in 2000 and was granted limited leave to remain, which was renewed until 2017 when he was convicted at St Albans Crown Court of dealing crack cocaine and sentenced to eight years. He served less than half this before being released, and was deported to Albania in 2020.
But he travelled back and boarded a small boat from France in May 2022, arriving at Dover. He was arrested for breaching his deportation order and spent four months in custody before being transferred to immigration detention.
He claimed asylum, saying he was a victim of people-traffickers, and applied for bail while his case was processed.
The Home Office said: ‘We remain resolute in our commitment to deport those who would abuse our hospitality.’
CROSSED CHANNEL: Tagged Albanian criminal Armand Gjyriqi, 30
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