British-Iranian Man Extradited Over People Smuggling
Kaiwan Poore, 37, an Iranian-born British national, was handed over to French officials today. He was stopped by police earlier this month at Manchester Airport just before boarding a flight to Turkey. French prosecutors accuse him of being part of an organised crime gang involved in people smuggling. Poore will now be held in Lille and formally charged.
Another Arrest Follows in Belgium Extradition
Poore’s extradition comes a day after Hewa Rahimpur, 29, also originally from Iran, was sent to Belgian authorities. Rahimpur agreed to his extradition during a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on July 15. Belgian prosecutors say Rahimpur is a key player in a criminal network ferrying thousands of migrants across the Channel in flimsy dinghies.
Massive International Crackdown on Smugglers
The National Crime Agency (NCA) arrested Rahimpur in East London back in May. He’s accused of securing boats and arranging their transport to French and Belgian shores, where migrants are loaded on board. Both men’s arrests are part of a huge international probe involving the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
On July 5, coordinated raids across Europe resulted in around 40 arrests. Authorities seized dozens of boats, engines, and nearly 900 lifejackets – all believed to be used for hazardous Channel crossings. Two suspects arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration to the UK were later released on bail.
NCA Vows to Hunt Down UK-Based Smuggling Gangs
“These arrests are key to dismantling one of the most active crime groups running small boat crossings,” said NCA Deputy Director Jacque Beer. “Where we find these gangs operating in the UK, we will use every tool to bring them to justice.”
“People smugglers risk lives with these flimsy boats. Tackling them is a top priority for the NCA and our European partners.”
The NCA worked closely with law enforcement agencies in Belgium, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, as well as Europol and Eurojust, to strike at these dangerous smuggling networks.
