In June 2022, Balog was detained at British border controls in northern France, later claiming that he had just visited relatives in Slovakia and was on his way home to Manchester.

But during the search, authorities discovered a Vietnamese woman hidden inside a homemade hideout in Balog's car.

According to the BBC , border guards became suspicious when they noticed that the carpet in the passenger's footwell was protruding further forward than usual. When they removed the glove box, police discovered the woman.

"This shocking case shows the ruthlessness of criminals towards the lives and safety of vulnerable people," said Mr. Steve Blackwell, Deputy Director of Crime and Financial Investigation, Home Office, UK, according to a statement from the UK Embassy in Vietnam.

“We reiterate that those who seek to breach the rules on entry into the UK will be caught and brought to justice,” said Mr Blackwell.

Balog, of Constable Street, Manchester, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing in June 2022.