Three Afghan men convicted in Belgium for their roles in a significant people smuggling operation have been apprehended in the UK, authorities confirmed on Monday.
The men—Ziarmal Khan, 24, Zeeshan Banghis, 20, and Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai, 23—were convicted in absentia by a Belgian court in Antwerp last month. They were among 23 members of the smuggling network who received combined sentences totaling 170 years. The trio’s sentences ranged from three to 10 years, with additional fines of €3,000 ($3,100) each.
Following their convictions, the three were arrested in London and surrounding areas between December 6 and Monday, according to the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
Belgian prosecutors revealed the gang’s operation involved organizing migrants’ journeys from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey, and the Balkans, ultimately reaching Europe. Many migrants were then transported to northern France and Belgium before being placed on small boats to cross the English Channel.
The criminal network has also been accused of heinous crimes, including sexually assaulting male migrant minors. Investigators reported instances of rape being filmed for use in blackmailing the victims.
NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner condemned the group’s actions, highlighting the dangers they imposed on vulnerable individuals. “These individuals profited from the perilous situations they forced people into during their journeys and committed unspeakable sexual offenses,” Turner stated.
Ahmedzai, sentenced to 10 years, and Khan and Banghis, each sentenced to three years, will be extradited to Belgium to serve their sentences. Extradition proceedings are already underway, the NCA confirmed.
The arrests are part of a larger, coordinated effort between UK and Belgian authorities to dismantle people smuggling networks. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the UK government’s commitment to combating such operations. “In recent weeks, we’ve reached landmark agreements with Iraq and Germany to bolster mutual support in tackling this shared challenge,” Cooper said.
The issue of migration remains a pressing concern in the UK, which saw over 37,100 people attempt the dangerous Channel crossing in 2024. Tragically, 76 individuals have lost their lives this year in the attempt.
Migration policies were a focal point during the UK’s July general election, which brought Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour Party to power. The arrests and extraditions underscore ongoing efforts to address the complexities and dangers of illegal migration and people smuggling operations.
