Iranian Kurdish migrant smuggler sentenced to 17 years in UK jail

LONDON,— An Iranian Kurdish man was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Friday for orchestrating illegal Channel crossings, underscoring Britain’s intensified efforts to dismantle smuggling networks bringing migrants into the country.

Amanj Hasan Zada, self-described as “the best smuggler,” was convicted on three charges of facilitating illegal immigration, as reported by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). Investigators connected Zada, 34, to three migrant crossings from northern France in November and December 2023, which he allegedly coordinated from his residence in Lancashire, northwest England.

The investigation revealed that Zada actively promoted his services through social media, where he posted videos of previous clients expressing gratitude. In one video obtained by authorities, he is shown being praised in a Kurdish song while throwing cash and firing a gun in celebration, further advertising his smuggling “success.”

NCA Branch Commander Martin Clarke stated that “Amanj Hasan Zada operated an advanced people-smuggling network, leveraging social media to promote his services.” Clarke emphasized that while Zada’s conviction is tied to three specific crossings, it’s likely he orchestrated many others.

This conviction follows the recent arrests of nine individuals in the UK during Interpol’s largest-ever crackdown on people smuggling. The heightened enforcement comes as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, addressing international police leaders this week, vowed to “smash the gangs” involved in these dangerous crossings. Starmer described human smuggling as a “global security threat” akin to terrorism, underscoring its impact on international stability and safety.

Since taking office in July, Starmer’s government has faced mounting pressure to curb irregular immigration. In the last two weeks alone, more than 3,000 people have made the dangerous journey across the Channel in small boats. On Thursday alone, two boats carrying 133 people arrived in the UK, pushing this year’s total close to 32,000.

Human smuggling remains a global challenge, with arrests and tragic incidents also occurring abroad.

Barzan Kamal Majeed, top Kurdish migrant smuggler — Top migrant smuggler ‘Scorpion’ arrested in Iraqi Kurdistan on May 12, 2024. Barzan Kamal Majeed came to the UK in 2013 but was deported two years later. Photo: National Crime Agency/UK

In Iraqi Kurdistan in June 2024, four suspected smugglers were detained following the sinking of a migrant vessel off Italy’s coast, a disaster that claimed over 30 lives. Additionally, in May, authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan apprehended a well-known smuggler, Barzan Kamal Majeed, also known as “Scorpion,” who is wanted across Europe.

According to the International Organization for Migration, an estimated 3,155 migrants either died or went missing in the Mediterranean in 2023. This year, over 1,000 have already lost their lives or disappeared, highlighting the perilous risks migrants face and the urgent need for coordinated international action.

(With files from AFP | Agencies)