Whilst the government's controversial illegal migration bill moves through parliament, an untraceable and ancient banking system is being used to finance people smuggling across Europe and the Channel. So how does it work? And should the authorities crack down on 'hawala'?

Additional reporting by Priyanka Shankar, Andrea Giambartolemei, Andres Mourenza, Elena Ledda and Iliana Papangeli. This investigation is supported by a grant from the IJ4EU fund and by Journalismfund.eu. 

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.

Guest: Emma Yeomans, News Reporter, The Times.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Clips: 10 Downing Street, Parliament Live, Times Radio.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.