‘The Scorpion’ Nabbed in Iraq After Two Years on the Run
Barzan Kamal Majeed, infamously known as ‘The Scorpion’, has finally been caught in Iraq. The notorious human trafficker masterminded a massive smuggling network that ferried an estimated 10,000 migrants across the English Channel. Kurdistan’s security forces (Asayish) arrested him on Monday after a two-year hunt.
From Court No-Show to Global Fugitive
Majeed had vanished back in November 2022, skipping his sentencing hearing in Belgium for trafficking offences. His arrest followed an Interpol-led investigation, the Asayish confirmed. The timing coincided with the release of the final episode of the To Catch a Scorpion podcast, featuring stinging interviews by a BBC journalist and British aid worker.
Confession and Denial in One Breath
In a shocking BBC 1 4 Intrigue podcast interview, Majeed admitted running people smuggling rings across Belgium and France between 2016 and 2019. He claimed responsibility for a staggering 95 to 99 percent of illegal UK crossings during that period. Yet, he denied masterminding the entire operation, blaming others for pinning that label on him to cut their own sentences.
Big Win for Law Enforcement — But Fight Continues
The arrest is a major victory for UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and European authorities. His trafficking network linked the UK, Belgium, and France, highlighting the transnational nature of the crime.
With over 1,000 people crossing the Channel by boat since May 4, per Home Office figures, Majeed’s capture shines a light on ongoing migration challenges. Authorities say the battle against human trafficking and illegal migration is far from over.
“Majeed’s arrest proves the power of international cooperation against organised crime,” said an NCA spokesperson. “But we remain vigilant; the fight continues on multiple fronts.”
This case shows how battling complex cross-border crimes requires relentless effort to uphold border security and protect vulnerable lives.
