Manchester Crime Boss Tarik Namik Jailed for Smuggling Migrants
Manchester Crown Court has sentenced Tarik Namik, 45, of Oldham, to nearly 24 years behind bars. Namik led a vicious organised crime gang that smuggled migrants from Iraq and Iran into the UK. The group’s activities triggered a major National Crime Agency (NCA) crackdown back in 2017.
How the Smuggling Ring Operated
Namik’s outfit had a slick operation to get migrants into Britain. Key accomplices included:
- Hajar Ahmed, 39, from Manchester
- Soran Saliy, 32, of Stoke
- Habil Gider, 54, from Stoke – acted as an escort inside the UK
- Hardi Alizada, 32, from Nottingham – coordinated the European leg
The gang offered two ways for migrants to reach the UK, after which they would claim asylum. In one chilling incident in September 2017, nine migrants—including five children—were dumped from a Polish lorry in a layby in Lancashire. They were desperate, with one dialling 999 for help. All were rushed to hospital for food, water, and care.
Operation Shutdown and Sentencing
The gang’s reign ended in April 2018 when the NCA swooped, arresting Namik, Ahmed, and Saliy. Alizada was nabbed in early 2019. All five pleaded guilty during earlier hearings.
Today, the gang was collectively sentenced to 23 years and 11 months at Manchester Crown Court.
“This investigation shows the NCA’s relentless commitment to smashing organised immigration crime and stopping traffickers endangering vulnerable migrants,”
an NCA spokesperson said.
