People smuggler Ahmed Ebid jailed for 25 years after sending thousands across deadly Mediterranean
Who is Ahmed Ebid?
Ahmed Ramadan Mohamad Ebid, 42, was nabbed in Hounslow, West London, in June 2023. He’s just been sentenced at Southwark Crown Court for running a ruthless migrant smuggling ring. The judge slammed him as holding a “significant managerial role within an organised crime group.” Ebid worked closely with Libyan networks, sending thousands on life-threatening boat journeys.
Massive smuggling operation exposed
Ebid’s gang organised at least seven crossings between 2022 and 2023, packing around 3,800 desperate migrants onto rickety wooden fishing boats — some with more than 600 souls aboard. Each migrant paid roughly £3,200, lining the smugglers’ pockets with an eye-watering £12 million+.
“Tell them guys anyone caught with a phone will be killed, thrown in the sea,” Ebid warned in a chilling intercepted message. Brutal tactics kept the operation under wraps.
Lives lost and terrifying rescues
- October 2022: 640 migrants rescued near Sicily, but two bodies recovered.
- December 2022: 265 saved from a drifting boat off Benghazi, Libya.
- April 2023: Over 1,200 migrants saved during two separate rescues.
Evidence from Ebid’s seized phone revealed he directed crossings in real time, with videos of stranded migrants and records of money transfers.
Justice served – and warnings from the top
Ebid pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. Despite trying to downplay his role, a court hearing confirmed he was a key figure in the smuggling network.
“Ebid was part of a crime network who preyed upon the desperation of migrants,” said Jacque Beer, NCA Regional Head of Investigation. “To him, they were just a source of profit.”
Official reactions
Tim Burton, CPS Specialist Prosecutor:
“His repeated involvement in facilitating these dangerous crossings showed a complete disregard for the safety of thousands of people.”
Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum:
“Ebid and his associates preyed on vulnerable individuals… This government is committed to strengthening our borders and tackling organised immigration crime.”
