Three arrested as NCA joins security forces in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Image: NCA)
Suspected migrant smugglers who thought they were “untouchable” have been arrested in Iraq.
Alleged accomplices of Amanj Hassan Zada, who described himself as the “best smuggler” were detained in a “landmark operation” in Kurdistan, the National Crime Agency said.
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One of those arrested, a 38-year-old male from Sulaymaniyah, is accused of working with the organised crime gangs to co-ordinate the movements of more than a dozen yachts transporting migrants into Greece or Italy.
Each boat would contain 60 or 70 people, who would then be moved on to northern Europe or the UK.
Three arrested as NCA joins security forces in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Image: NCA)
It is a huge blow to the organised crime gang (Image: NCA)
A Hawala banker, aged in his 40s and also from Sulaymaniyah, who is accused of processing financial transactions on behalf of Zada, has also been detained along with another man in his 30s from Sulaymaniyah who is accused of being a middle-man gathering migrants for movement by Zada's network.
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NCA Director General of Operations Rob Jones said: "This is the next significant step in taking on the people smuggling gangs who dominate the deadly cross-Channel small boat trade, many of whom operate from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
"Previously they thought they were untouchable, but thanks to our co-operation with the KRI authorities, we have demonstrated that this is no longer the case and they will be held to account.
"Our reach is global, and we are determined to target, disrupt and dismantle these networks no matter where they operate."
Branch Commander Martin Clarke was part of the team of NCA officers who flew out to Kurdistan Region of Iraq to assist with the arrest operation.
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He said: "The NCA have been able to follow the trail of this network, from Amanj Hasan Zada in his house in Preston right the way back to Sulaymaniyah where we believe this gang were operating and recruiting.
"We have had fantastic co-operation from Asayish agencies in both Erbil and Sulaymaniyah as part of this investigation, and I'd like to thank them for that.
"Like us they recognise that these gangs are risking the lives of those they transport, feeding them lies via their social media channels, and claiming journeys are one hundred percent safe.
"More than 70 people lost their lives attempting to cross the Channel in small boats in 2024, so this trade must stop."
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Zada, who was known by those he smuggled as Amanj Zaman, advertised his services on social media, sometimes using videos of those he had successfully smuggled thanking him for his help. One such video showed a group of men on a boat to Italy praising him.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "The NCA has done outstanding work with this investigation, and the success of this operation will have a material effect on the criminal networks currently trafficking people across Europe.
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“When we said we would dismantle the gangs behind this evil trade, and disrupt their supply chains, this was exactly what we meant.
"Just seven weeks ago, as part of the Government's Plan for Change, I signed the UK's landmark deal on law enforcement cooperation and border security with Iraq and met with the Kurdish Regional Government, signalling our determination to work together to dismantle the criminal smuggling gangs operating through that region.
"Our security agreement with Iraq is already showing its impact. By sharing the expertise of our Border Security Command, enhancing intelligence-sharing, and providing additional funding to support Iraq's law enforcement capabilities, we are able to target the people smuggling gangs at source.
"The criminal gangs operating through Iraq and the KRI do not respect borders or jurisdictions, which is why it is imperative that the UK continues to work closely with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdish Regional Government to coordinate our enforcement efforts and resources, and cooperate on investigations like this one."