Three Afghan nationals convicted in Belgium for their roles in a major people-smuggling gang have been arrested in the UK. The men were detained by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Metropolitan Police following a joint investigation with Belgian authorities.
The gang is believed to have transported thousands of migrants across Europe and onto small boats to the UK. Belgian prosecutors reported that members committed serious sexual offences against male migrant minors, including rape, and used footage of the assaults to blackmail victims into further criminality and abuse.
Ziarmal Khan, 24, was arrested in Essex on 6 December; Zeeshan Banghis, 20, was detained in south London on 18 December; and Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai, 23, was arrested in Hemel Hempstead on 23 December. The arrests followed warrants issued by Belgian courts.
Last month, an Antwerp court convicted 23 gang members, with sentences ranging from two to 18 years. Ahmedzai received 10 years, while Khan and Banghis each got three years, plus fines of €3,000. The three now face extradition to Belgium.
NCA deputy director Craig Turner said: “This operation shows that no matter where people-smuggling gangs operate, we will find them and bring them to justice.” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called the case “sickening” and praised the efforts of law enforcement in pursuing the gangs and protecting borders.
