In a landmark case, a man has been sentenced in Belgium to 11 years in jail for heading one of the most significant human trafficking gangs involved in smuggling people across the English Channel. Hewa Rahimpur, a 30-year-old Iranian Kurd, was responsible for bringing around 10,000 individuals to the UK in small boats. This case sheds light on the extent of human smuggling operations and highlights the dangerous conditions migrants face in their pursuit of a better life.
Rahimpur arrived in Britain in 2016 claiming asylum and was allowed to stay in 2020. However, rather than building a legitimate life, he set up a barber’s shop in London and used the UK as a base for his criminal activities. He headed a gang that sourced boats, engines, and life jackets from Turkey and China, and transported them to Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. These materials were then shipped to the coast of northern France, where they were provided to groups of migrants waiting in Calais and Dunkirk.
The boats used by Rahimpur’s gang were dangerously unsafe, often held together with gaffer tape and planks of wood. Despite these risks, around 30 to 40 people were crammed into each boat. Migration expert Stef Janssens expressed shock at the smugglers’ disregard for human life, noting that it is surprising there were not more deaths. Rahimpur’s gang is estimated to be responsible for nearly 10% of all crossings to the UK during a 12 to 18-month period.
The success of this investigation and Rahimpur’s subsequent arrest demonstrate the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies across multiple countries. The joint operation carried out by authorities in the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands resulted in the seizure of 135 boats, 45 engines, and over 1,200 life jackets. Additionally, more than 40 individuals were arrested, making this one of the largest law enforcement operations of its kind.
However, despite these significant efforts, authorities remain concerned about the persistence and resilience of people-smuggling networks. They have become highly organized and increasingly difficult to track down. The substantial profits generated by Rahimpur’s gang, nearly €60 million (approximately £52 million) in 2021 alone, underscore the financial incentives that drive these criminal enterprises.
It is evident that Rahimpur’s arrest and the dismantling of his gang have not deterred migrants from attempting to reach the UK via small boats. Over 24,200 individuals have crossed the English Channel from France so far this year. The demand for smugglers’ services remains high, with migrants willing to pay large sums to secure a spot on a boat.
The dangerous nature of these journeys is exemplified by the tragic incident last year when approximately 500 people lost their lives after a boat capsized off the coast of southern Greece. This serves as a stark reminder of the risks migrants undertake and the urgency with which authorities must address this issue.
While Rahimpur’s sentencing is undoubtedly a significant step in the fight against international networks of people smugglers, it is unlikely to completely eradicate the problem. NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner acknowledged that criminal networks prioritize profits over the safety and well-being of the individuals they smuggle. Nonetheless, the agency remains committed to disrupting and dismantling these networks to the best of their abilities.
It is crucial for governments and law enforcement agencies to continue collaborating on cross-border operations and intelligence sharing. Furthermore, addressing the root causes of migration and providing effective legal channels for individuals seeking asylum can help reduce reliance on dangerous smuggling routes.
The case of Hewa Rahimpur serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by human trafficking and the need for sustained efforts to combat this heinous crime. By working together, governments can strive to create a safer and more secure world for everyone, regardless of their nationality or circumstances.
