Two Ukrainians jailed for smuggling migrants on yacht from France to UK
The illegal operation charged premium prices to ferry people across the English Channel
Two Ukrainian men have been sentenced after operating a premium-priced service smuggling migrants into the UK aboard a yacht.
Vladyslav Cherniavskyi, aged 38, received a six-year jail term, and Oleksandr Yavtushenko, aged 43, was sentenced to five years after pleading guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court to three counts of aiding unlawful immigration.
The pair were arrested after their yacht, named Uforia, was intercepted 4.5 miles off the coast of Chichester, West Sussex, on 20th July 2025, in an operation conducted by the National Crime Agency (NCA), Border Force, and French law enforcement.
Purchased by Cherniavskyi for $20,000 (£15,000) in April 2024 and operated by Yavtushenko, the vessel was escorted into Gosport Marina, Hampshire.
Five migrants, comprising four Albanian males and a Vietnamese female, were handed to immigration authorities.
Prosecutor Robin Leach said the defendants executed at least eight crossings, noting migrants paid up to 15,000 euros for what was described as a "premium bespoke service."
Leach recounted the first crossing on 10th August 2024, which involved a "clumsy attempt to moor the boat" in Itchenor, Chichester Harbour.
The second charge involved a crossing on 15th June 2025 with a family, followed by the third count relating to the 20th July crossing.
Three Albanians from this crossing are seeking asylum in the UK, while the fourth has returned home.
The Vietnamese girl, referred to as "very young," is currently in UK foster care.
Judge William Ashworth criticized the operation as an "insidious black market," highlighting the transportation of the vulnerable Vietnamese girl as "a callous act."
The judge indicated the pair could face deportation after serving their sentences.
Defense statements revealed Cherniavskyi left Ukraine before the war to finance treatments for his parents, while Yavtushenko expressed regret for his involvement.
Tim Burton of CPS praised collaboration with French authorities in building a strong case against the men.
Julian Harriman of the NCA acknowledged the operation as a lucrative migrant ferry service, stating their priority remains targeting people smugglers.