Crimewatch recounts Essex lorry tragedy of 39 Vietnamese victims

BBC One’s Crimewatch will recount the harrowing discovery of 39 bodies in a lorry trailer and the ensuing investigation by Essex Police. In the early hours of October 23, 2019, Maurice Robinson, the lorry driver, found the Vietnamese men, women, and children unresponsive inside a trailer on Eastern Avenue, Grays, Essex.

As the five-year anniversary nears, Crimewatch will highlight this tragic journey and the intricate investigation. This segment focuses on the efforts of the teams dedicated to bringing the criminals to justice. Each victim and their families had paid substantial sums to a crime group that promised them safe passage to the UK.

The police, working with various public, private, and international partners, uncovered an international human trafficking conspiracy. This effort resulted in the conviction of 11 people in the UK and 18 in France, with sentences totalling 117 years. Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe stated, “This group smuggled people illegally into the UK, some receiving significant payment. This tragic case shows how dangerous these organised criminal networks are.”

Chilling 911 audio recording details the moment a man informs the police that he’s just found the bodies of 25 people in the back of his lorry.

On October 23, 2019, the bodies of 39 Vietnamese individuals were discovered in the trailer of a refrigerated lorry in Essex, United… pic.twitter.com/lYkcRdDIgU

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“These 39 victims, all family members, died in the most inhumane way due to this greed-driven gang of smugglers.” The lorry had travelled from Zeebrugge, Belgium, to the Port of Purfleet, Essex. Crimewatch covers Robinson picking up the trailer at about 1am before parking in Eastern Avenue to ‘give [them] some air’, following a Snapchat message from his boss, Ronan Hughes.

Realising the occupants were not breathing, Robinson closed the doors, made several phone calls to his bosses, and drove around West Thurrock. Half an hour later, he called 999 after parking on Eastern Avenue again. Robinson, initially denying knowledge of the trailer’s contents, was arrested at the scene. The investigation revealed his involvement in the conspiracy. He was charged days later and jailed along with others involved in the deaths.

This summer, the personal belongings of the 39 victims were returned to their families. Detective Chief Superintendent Hooper said, “Bringing the victims’ belongings home is the final act of our most complex investigation. It was humbling to represent our force in Vietnam.”

He added, “The Vietnamese delegation reminded us of our chief constable’s promise; to bring those responsible to justice and treat each victim and their families with dignity and respect. Essex Police will always hold a special place in Vietnam due to our actions.” “I know the devastation this incident caused in Vietnam. It’s a career honour to have led this investigation, which saw 11 people sentenced to a total of 117 years.”

“I thank every partner involved, especially the Crown Prosecution Service and the National Crime Agency.” DI James Holmes told the Crimewatch team, “Our message to criminals preying on the vulnerable is clear: don’t. We are very good at what we do. We will catch you, unravel your stories, and see you in court.” The episode airs on BBC One at 9.30am on Wednesday, October 9.