The crackdown on immigration crime in UK has landed three men linked to a large-scale people smuggling network in jail. The men, all Afghan nationals, were convicted in Belgium for trafficking migrants across Europe, including the dangerous transport of people from Afghanistan to France and the UK.
National Crime Agency (NCA) and Metropolitan Police Service made the arrests. That was after Belgian courts issued warrants for their capture. The trio, identified as Ziarmal Khan, Zeeshan Banghis, and Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai, trafficked thousands of migrants. They often forced victims into sexual exploitation and criminality, it was learnt.
The NCA worked closely with Belgian law enforcement for two years, providing crucial intelligence to aid in the investigation. Their collaboration led to the conviction of 23 gang members, including the three men arrested in the UK. Ahmedzai, Khan, and Banghis got prison terms ranging from three to 10 years. Belgian authorities have also fined them 3,000 Euros each.
The gang’s activities involved moving migrants from Afghanistan to Turkey. Through the Balkans, they got into Western Europe, where they used small boats to cross the English Channel. Many of the victims were children. Sexual abuse, including rape, was allegedly committed against some minors in the network.
Immigration crime in Belgium: Government’s response
Belgium has faced growing challenges related to immigration crime in recent years, with people smuggling rings targeting vulnerable migrants. In response, government has increasing international collaboration and improving law enforcement capabilities. Belgium’s authorities have been focusing on dismantling smuggling operations that exploit migrants and endanger lives.
These efforts have led to multiple successful convictions. Government has also disrupted several large networks involved in trafficking people for labour and sexual exploitation. The November convictions in Antwerp, which resulted in sentences totalling 170 years, marked a significant victory against such criminal enterprises.
Sources said government is focusing on protecting victims and preventing further harm. The country’s law enforcement agencies have made substantial progress in arresting the criminals. Emphasis is however on those profiting from smuggling operations. Authorities bring them to justice while securing long-term solutions to reduce immigration crime.
The NCA’s Deputy Director Craig Turner emphasized the significance of these arrests. He said, “This operation shows that no matter where people smuggling gangs operate, we will find them and bring them to justice.”
Prioritising victims’ safety
The British government has invested heavily in strengthening border security and improving its immigration enforcement measures. The effort aims at tackling the root causes of smuggling. Recent efforts include partnerships with countries like Iraq and Germany to curb immigration crime and enhance border protection.
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, stated, “As part of the Government’s Plan for Change to strengthen our borders, we are working ever more closely with international partners to track down dangerous criminal networks like these.” This reflects the growing recognition that tackling immigration crime requires not only domestic measures. It also stresses cross-border cooperation to disrupt smuggling and human trafficking operations.
The UK’s response to immigration crime is robust, with significant investments in intelligence sharing, border security, and international cooperation. The government’s increased focus on people smuggling networks reflects a growing awareness of the risks posed by these criminal operations to national security and public safety.
Recent developments, such as the £150 million investment in Border Security Command, aims at enhancing the UK’s ability to prevent illegal immigration and disrupt criminal activities. The UK government also participates in international initiatives, including the Calais Group, where European partners collaborate to enhance joint efforts against people smuggling. This cooperation is critical to addressing the growing challenges of migration and human trafficking.
The UK’s approach also prioritizes victim safeguarding, ensuring that those exploited by smuggling rings receive the necessary protection and support. Border Force and Immigration Enforcement teams work tirelessly to identify and assist victims of trafficking, often at great personal risk.
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