People Smuggler Tarik Namik Nabbed After Skipping Court
Fugitive Caught on UK Return
Tarik Namik, 45, failed to show up for his sentencing last December and was handed an eight-year prison sentence in his absence by the National Crime Agency (NCA). But the Oldham man’s run from justice ended the moment he stepped off a plane from Istanbul in Manchester.
The prolific people smuggler was immediately arrested on UK soil after dodging court on December 9.
Head of Organised Crime Gang
Namik led a ruthless gang trafficking migrants from Iraq and Iran inside lorries to the UK. His criminal ring exploited vulnerable migrants for profit, putting countless lives at risk.
Alongside Namik, four other gang members were also sentenced, following a long-running NCA investigation that started in 2017.
NCA Praise and Police Team Effort
“Namik was a prolific people smuggler whose criminal organisation put vulnerable migrants in danger while he profited,” said NCA branch commander Richard Harrison.
“I am overjoyed that he will now face justice for the crimes he committed.”
“Fugitives are never off our radar. I’d like to thank our colleagues at Greater Manchester Police for their help in making sure he was caught as soon as he returned.”
Next Stop: Crown Court
Namik was due in Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday but will likely be sentenced in crown court on Monday.
