Three Afghan nationals accused of smuggling thousands of migrants into the UK and committing horrific crimes, including the rape of migrant minors, have been arrested in the UK following their absences during sentencing in Antwerp, Belgium.
The individuals, identified as Ziarmal Khan (24), also known as Boxer Bhai, Zeeshan Banghis (20), and Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai (23), were apprehended over the past month in coordinated operations by UK and Belgian authorities.
Arrests and Charges
- Ziarmal Khan was arrested on December 6 at Stansted Airport in relation to a domestic violence offence and subsequently detained on behalf of Belgian authorities.
- Zeeshan Banghis was arrested on December 18 at an address on New Kent Road, Southwark.
- Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai was arrested on December 30 in Hemel Hempstead.
Belgian prosecutors allege that the gang organized the transportation of migrants from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey, and the Balkans into France and Belgium. From there, they are accused of smuggling thousands of individuals, including minors, into the UK on small boats.
Sexual Abuse Allegations
The network’s crimes extended beyond smuggling. According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), the gang committed “serious sexual offences” against young migrant boys, including rape, which was recorded and used to blackmail victims into criminal activities and further abuse.
Sentencing in Belgium
Last month, the trio and 20 other members of the network were sentenced in Antwerp to a combined total of 170 years’ imprisonment, with individual sentences ranging from two to 18 years.
- Ziarmal Khan and Zeeshan Banghis received three-year sentences.
- Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Each was also fined 3,000 Euros. The three men now face extradition proceedings to Belgium to serve their sentences.
Official Reactions
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the gang’s actions as “nothing short of sickening.”
“These men ran extensive illegal smuggling operations and inflicted extreme cruelty on the migrants they smuggled – some of them children – when they were at their most vulnerable.”
She praised the collaborative efforts of the NCA, Border Force, and Immigration Enforcement for their work in dismantling the network and safeguarding victims.
NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner emphasized the significance of international collaboration in securing convictions and further arrests.
“These further arrests should send a very clear message that we will not stop in our work to disrupt and dismantle the gangs behind these horrendous crimes.”
Ongoing Proceedings
The three arrested fugitives are expected to be extradited to Belgium, where they will serve their sentences. Authorities in both countries continue to investigate the broader network, vowing to dismantle the organized smuggling and exploitation rings responsible for these heinous acts.
