NCA Aids Arrests in Iraq's Kurdistan

A joint operation between the UK and Iraqi Kurdistan has led to the arrest of three men suspected of human trafficking, with alleged links to a global people smuggling network that smuggled migrants to the UK and Europe.

The arrested men, all from Sulaymaniyah, are accused of coordinating various aspects of the smuggling operation, including transportation, financial transactions, and migrant gathering. One suspect is believed to have facilitated transportation via yachts to Greece or Italy, while the other two allegedly processed finances and acted as middle-men. The network is linked to Amanj Hasan Zada, a UK-based people smuggler who was jailed for 17 years in November for facilitating illegal immigration.

The investigation, aided by the National Crime Agency (NCA), aims to dismantle people smuggling gangs and bring an end to the trade. The Home Secretary has stated that the trade must stop, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to combat human trafficking. The operation is significant, as it targets a network believed to have smuggled around 1,000 migrants to Greece and Italy over several years, using yachts, and is connected to a larger network that has caused numerous deaths in the English Channel.

The arrests mark a crucial step in the efforts to combat people smuggling and human trafficking, highlighting the importance of collaboration between countries to tackle this global issue. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more information will come to light about the extent of the network and its operations.