A Birmingham man is jailed for smuggling migrants across the English Channel in unsafe boats, risking lives for profit.
Jameel, 55, came from Iraq in 2002. He was one of three people jailed for smuggling, organizing boat trips from France to the UK, brokering deals for spots on boats, and collecting payments after.
Investigators believe he arranged many crossings. NCA officers watched him meet Artan Halilaj, 39, in Perry Barr on September 1, 2023, where a cash exchange occurred.
Jameel later said his “three passengers” were ready. Artan Halilaj arrived from Belgium earlier in 2023, requested asylum but disappeared from his hotel while waiting.
Artan arranged for his relative, Fiorentino Halilaj, 25, to cross the Channel on September 2nd. Authorities found Jameel’s contact on Fiorentino’s phone, and NCA officers recorded Jameel’s conversations.
Jameel arranged crossings, calling migrants names, and complained about low prices due to competition. He bragged about making $2 million for his networks and mentioned moving a migrant to Turkey for $10,000.
Police arrested Artan and Jameel on October 23, 2023, and Fiorentino the next day. Jameel’s phone contained data on 50 illegal entries, including photos from boats in the Channel.
Artan and Fiorentino were charged with aiding illegal immigration, and Jameel faced two counts of the same charge. Jameel and Fiorentino pleaded guilty, while Artan was convicted after a trial.
Jameel received four years and ten months in jail, Artan received three and a half years, and Fiorentino received two and a half years. Officials stated that Jameel’s actions were likely more extensive and driven solely by money.