Iraqi People Smuggler Caged for Over a Decade
A major figure in a migrant smuggling ring has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for helping illegal crossings into the UK.
NCA Busts Smuggler in Wolverhampton
Ramal Briem, 33, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers at his Wolverhampton home in July 2024. The Iraqi national played a crucial role in transporting six migrants to Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, just months prior in March.
From Refugee to Ruthless Smuggler
Briem arrived illegally on a small boat in late 2020, claiming asylum soon after. Struggling financially, he soon turned to people trafficking to make money.
Cash Runs and Court Confession
He admitted collecting large cash sums from addresses in Croydon and Birmingham. The money was then handed over to an unidentified man in a car, fueling the smuggling network.
At Wolverhampton Crown Court in October 2024, Briem pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. On 26 March 2025, Worcester Crown Court sentenced him to 10 years and two months behind bars.
