Members of a criminal gang involved in smuggling migrants across Europe and committing sexual assaults have been arrested in the UK. The three Afghan nationals were detained in south London, Hertfordshire, and Essex following warrants issued by Belgian courts.
The arrested individuals, including Ziarmal Khan (26), Zeeshan Banghis (20), and Saifur Rahman Ahmedza (23), are accused of organizing the dangerous transportation of migrants from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey, and the Balkans into western Europe, ultimately bringing them to the UK via small boats. The gang allegedly smuggled thousands of people across borders.
Additionally, the group committed severe sexual offenses against young male migrants, including rape. Disturbingly, they filmed these attacks and used the footage to blackmail the victims, forcing them into criminality and further abuse.
Last month, a Belgian court convicted the three men, along with 20 others in the gang, sentencing them to a total of 170 years in prison. Khan and Banghis received three-year prison sentences and fines, while Ahmedza was sentenced to 10 years.
The three men are now facing extradition to Belgium to serve their sentences, marking the continuation of the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) efforts to dismantle people smuggling rings and hold criminals accountable for their actions.
NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner emphasized the agency’s commitment to bringing criminals to justice, no matter where they operate.