UK Police Nab Afghan Migrant Smugglers Linked to Shocking Abuse
Three Afghan men, accused of smuggling thousands of migrants into the UK and committing horrific crimes including the rape of minor migrants, have been arrested on UK soil after skipping sentencing in Belgium.
Fugitives Arrested in UK
- Ziarmal Khan (24), aka “Boxer Bhai,” was caught on December 6 at Stansted Airport for a domestic violence charge before being handed over to Belgian authorities.
- Zeeshan Banghis (20) was arrested on December 18 in Southwark, London.
- Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai (23) was picked up on December 30 in Hemel Hempstead.
Belgian prosecutors say the gang trafficked migrants from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey, and the Balkans into France and Belgium, then smuggled thousands—including children—into the UK by small boats.
Shocking Sexual Abuse Exposed
The National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed the gang also committed “serious sexual offences” against young migrant boys. Victims were raped and blackmailed with recorded abuse to force them into criminal activities and further exploitation.
Belgian Sentencing and UK Extradition
Last month, 23 gang members—including the trio—were sentenced in Antwerp to a combined 170 years behind bars. Individually, Khan and Banghis got three years, while Ahmedzai was handed 10 years. Each must pay a €3,000 fine.
The men now face extradition from the UK to Belgium to serve their sentences.
Authorities Condemn Gang’s Callous Crimes
“These men ran extensive illegal smuggling operations and inflicted extreme cruelty on the migrants they smuggled – some of them children – when they were at their most vulnerable,” said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. She praised the teamwork of the NCA, Border Force, and Immigration Enforcement in dismantling this horrific network.
“These further arrests should send a very clear message that we will not stop in our work to disrupt and dismantle the gangs behind these horrendous crimes,” added NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner.
More to Come as Investigation Continues
The men are being prepared for extradition, and authorities vow to keep hunting down the full extent of this ruthless smuggling and abuse ring. The UK and Belgium remain united in cracking down on these brutal gangs exploiting vulnerable migrants.
