Iraqi Kurds arrest suspected traffickers linked to Italy boat sinking

Iraqi Kurds arrest suspected human traffickers linked to Italy boat sinking — Iraqi Kurdish migrants’ boat sinks off Turkey, 2016. Photo: Reuters

SULAIMANI, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— On Tuesday, authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan announced the arrest of four individuals suspected of being human traffickers involved in the tragic sinking of a sailboat off Italy’s coast. This disaster has left over 30 people dead and many more missing.

The boat, which sank near Calabria in southern Italy in mid-June, was reported to be carrying predominantly Kurdish migrants from Iraq and Iran, along with Afghan families. Out of the numerous passengers, only 11 were rescued, while more than 60 remain unaccounted for, according to reports from non-governmental organizations and the victims’ families.

In a statement, the Asayish, the security forces of the northern Iraqi semi-autonomous Kurdish region, confirmed the arrests. They identified the suspects only by their initials and described them as key figures in the illegal transport of residents from Kurdistan to Italy, which culminated in the fatal incident.

The arrests took place in the province of Sulaimani, as disclosed by a security official who spoke to AFP under the condition of anonymity.

So far, Italian authorities have recovered 36 bodies, with ongoing efforts to find those still missing from the vessel that set sail from Turkey.

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

This arrest follows a similar operation in mid-May 2024, where Iraqi Kurdistan authorities detained a notorious migrant smuggler known as “Scorpion,”, whose real name is Barzan Kamal Majeed, who is wanted in several European countries.

The International Organization for Migration reports that approximately 3,155 migrants died or went missing in the Mediterranean last year, with over 1,000 fatalities or disappearances recorded so far this year.

The central Mediterranean route, which includes Italy, is recognized as the world’s deadliest, accounting for 80% of these tragic occurrences.

Many migrants embark on perilous journeys from Libya and Tunisia, aiming for Europe, with Italy often being their initial destination.

Iraqi Kurdistan, despite portraying itself as a bastion of stability in the region, sees people leaving due to economic challenges, social instability, and restrictions on freedom of speech.

Iraqi Kurdistan region, dominated by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) led by the Barzani family and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) led by the Talabani family, faces severe economic and political challenges. Observers attribute the region’s high emigration rates to these adverse conditions under Barzani’s leadership.

Iraqi Kurdistan is frequently cited as Iraq’s most corrupt area. Kurdish lawmakers and leaked documents suggest billions of dollars in oil revenues are unaccounted for.

Critics accuse the Barzani family of nepotism and personal enrichment through the oil industry rather than improving the region’s welfare.

Massoud Barzani, the KDP leader, wields substantial influence, with his son, Masrour, serving as the prime minister and his nephew, Nechirvan Barzani, as the president of the Kurdistan region.

The Barzani family’s commercial interests in Iraqi Kurdistan are valued at several billion US dollars.