People Smuggler Jailed for Over 10 Years After Using 'Chicken' Code for Migrants
A British-based member of an international people trafficking network has been sentenced to 10 years and two months in prison after referring to illegal migrants as 'chickens' in a feeble attempt at concealment. Ramal Briem, a 33-year-old Iraqi national, was arrested at his home in Wolverhampton following a National Crime Agency investigation that uncovered his involvement in a sophisticated smuggling operation.
Code Words and Criminal Deals
Messages extracted from Briem's mobile phone revealed that he and an associate known only as 'Kevin' repeatedly used the term 'chicken' to refer to migrants during their communications. In one particularly damning exchange, the pair discussed fees for transporting individuals, with 'Kevin' stating: 'If possible, 1 chicken costs 1,500 pounds. I'll give it all to you.' Briem responded simply: 'Yes 1500. Give it to me.'
The conversations took a more disturbing turn when the criminals negotiated an '11 for the price of 10' discount arrangement, treating human lives as mere commodities in a commercial transaction. 'Kevin' further elaborated: 'Ok I'll give you the chicken. Currently I have over 30 chickens in Dunkerque. I need them to finish this time. And next time I have a new chicken I will give it to you.' Briem's reply demonstrated his eagerness to expand the operation: 'Ok. Next time I need all your chicken.'
From Asylum Seeker to Smuggler
Briem's own journey to Britain followed an illegal path, arriving by small boat in late 2020 before claiming asylum. Prosecutors revealed that he then transitioned from migrant to smuggler, helping hundreds of Vietnamese nationals make the dangerous crossing from northern France to the United Kingdom. The National Crime Agency spokesman confirmed that Briem facilitated journeys either through small boat crossings or by stowing migrants away in lorries.
The criminal operation followed a specific pattern: Vietnamese migrants were first brought to eastern Europe on work visas before being moved to France, where they would board small boats destined for British shores. Upon arrival in the UK, other members of the organized crime gang would assist them in disappearing within established Vietnamese communities.
Arrest and Conviction
Briem was arrested in July 2024 by NCA officers who found him at his home wearing a dressing gown. The investigation revealed his involvement in arranging a 'lorry drop' of six clandestine migrants to Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, in March 2024. Additionally, Briem admitted to visiting multiple addresses in Croydon and Birmingham to collect substantial sums of cash, which he subsequently handed over to an unidentified man in a vehicle.
In October 2024, Briem pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration at Wolverhampton Crown Court. His sentencing took place at Worcester Crown Court, where he received a prison term of 10 years and two months for his crimes.
Official Condemnation
NCA branch commander Saju Sasikumar condemned Briem's actions, stating: 'The language Ramal Briem used to describe people illustrates his complete disregard for human life. To him, migrants were nothing more than a commodity to trade in, regardless of the severe risks they were taking during these dangerous journeys, all for his own financial benefit.'
Sasikumar further emphasized the dangers faced by migrants who turn to smugglers: 'The migrants themselves may have wanted to come to the UK to establish a better life for themselves and their families. But the fact they chose to use smugglers like Briem to enter the UK clandestinely automatically put them at a far greater risk of being embroiled in debt bondage or modern slavery situations.'
Border security and asylum minister Alex Norris reinforced the government's stance: 'We are cracking down on the vile smugglers abusing UK borders. This government is bolstering law enforcement powers so officers can intercept, detain and arrest people smugglers faster and restore order and control to our borders.'
Wider Network Implications
The investigation also led to the arrest of Briem's associate 'Kevin' in April 2024. 'Kevin' is currently undergoing extradition proceedings to France, where he faces allegations of immigration offenses, drug-related crimes, and modern slavery violations. This development highlights the international nature of the smuggling network and the collaborative efforts between British and French authorities to dismantle such operations.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the sophisticated methods employed by organized crime groups to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking better lives, while treating human beings as mere financial transactions coded with dehumanizing language.
