People-smuggling kingpin nabbed in East London bust
Iranian fugitive caught in Ilford
Hewa Rahimpur, 29, an Iranian national wanted by Belgium, was arrested in Wanstead Park, East London, around 1pm on 4 May. The National Crime Agency (NCA) swooped in a joint operation after tracking him to his workplace in Romford Road, Manor Park.
Mastermind behind ‘systematic human smuggling’
Rahimpur faces serious accusations from Belgian prosecutors. They claim he’s a key player in a criminal network involved in organised people smuggling using small boats across the Channel.
Investigators say he sourced boats from Turkey, had them shipped to Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, then coordinated their delivery to northern France. From there, migrants were ferried across the water.
Cross-border sting breaks major smuggling ring
- This crackdown follows a 2021 haul where Belgian police seized multiple boats and motors hidden in a car near the Belgian-French border.
- The NCA worked closely with Belgian authorities and Europol’s Migrant Smuggling Centre to nail Rahimpur.
- He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 5 May to start extradition proceedings.
Authorities vow to scrap deadly migrant crossings
“Rahimpur is a major player in one of the biggest criminal networks supplying boats to people smugglers,” said Jacque Beer, NCA Deputy Director of Investigations.
“Many gangs operate outside the UK, but we act fast wherever they have a UK presence.”
Frank Demeester, prosecutor from West Flanders, added:
“Smuggling by small boats is a top priority because it poses the ultimate threat to life. Every frustrated crossing potentially saves lives.”
The NCA urges the maritime industry to stay vigilant. Andrea Wilson, Deputy Director of Organised Immigration Crime, warned:
“Some of these boats are death traps, barely held together with tape and planks. Tragically, they’ve caused fatalities. Reporting suspicious activity can prevent more deaths.”
