On October 23, 2019, a tragic human trafficking incident unfolded when 39 Vietnamese individuals were discovered dead in a lorry trailer in Grays, Essex.

This incident is recognized as one of the UK's largest murder investigations, highlighting the severity of organized crime in human trafficking.

The victims, aged between 15 and 44, had paid organized crime groups for what they believed would be a safe passage to the UK.

Maurice Robinson, the lorry driver, was convicted of 39 counts of manslaughter in April 2020 and is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence.

Initially unaware of the human stowaways, Robinson attempted to conceal his involvement before ultimately calling emergency services.

Detective Inspector James Holmes warned criminals against preying on vulnerable individuals, promising relentless pursuit and conviction.

As the five-year anniversary approaches, BBC One's Crimewatch will air an episode featuring insights from the investigation team and details of the victims' final journey.

These individuals, including men, women, and children, fell victim to a criminal syndicate that made false promises of safe entry.

In a humbling act, the personal belongings of the victims were returned to their families this summer, as noted by Detective Chief Superintendent Hooper.

This gesture marked a significant closure in the investigation for the families affected by this tragedy.

The police investigation uncovered an international human trafficking conspiracy, leading to 11 convictions in the UK and 18 in France, with a total of 117 years of imprisonment.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe emphasized the dangers posed by organized criminal networks involved in people smuggling.