UK Investigators Assist in Landmark Human Trafficking Arrests in Iraq

IQIraq|

For the first time, UK investigators have actively participated in the arrest of suspected human traffickers in Iraq. Officials from the National Crime Agency (NCA) collaborated with local security forces to apprehend three men believed to be involved in trafficking up to 1,000 migrants from the Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI).

The suspects are reportedly linked to Amanj Hassan Zada, a Britain-based smuggler who was sentenced to 17 years in prison in November for his involvement in smuggling operations. NCA director-general of operations, Rob Jones, emphasized the significance of this operation, stating that it stems from evidence collected during investigations in the UK.

The suspects have been charged and will face trial in KRI, where it is believed their operations were based. Among those arrested, one individual is alleged to have managed financial transactions using the informal Hawala banking system, a method commonly utilized in Islamic cultures for untraceable money transfers. Another suspect is accused of orchestrating the transport of migrants on various yachts, while the third organized groups of migrants preparing for travel.

The NCA has followed the trail from Zada's activities in Preston, England, all the way to the KRI, showcasing the international scope of this criminal network. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper remarked on the operation's success, which aligns with the UK government's strategy to combat human trafficking and dismantle smuggling networks exploiting desperate individuals.

As part of its ongoing efforts, the UK government has increased funding to the NCA to enhance operations against human traffickers. In the past year, the agency has arrested 227 suspects and is currently investigating 70 people smuggling gangs.

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