Two Afghans Held in Leicester on People Smuggling Charges

Two Afghan men were arrested in Leicester. Belgian police are seeking their extradition for alleged involvement in people smuggling. Authorities believe the men were part of a larger criminal gang. The arrests occurred at two separate residences, one in the city center and the other in Knighton.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) carried out the arrests. Shirmal Akhundzadeh, 25, was apprehended at Vaughan Way, while Samiullah Ahmadzai, also 25, was arrested at Knighton Lane. In addition, four more Afghan nationals were taken into custody in Essex and Birmingham. The NCA released video footage of the Knighton Lane arrest.

Belgian authorities claim the men were involved in the smuggling of people. They allegedly facilitated the movement of individuals from Afghanistan to Western Europe, specifically France and Belgium. The route used by the smugglers went through Iran, Turkey, and the Balkans. The group had been active since 2022, utilizing social media platforms to communicate with migrants.

The gang allegedly moved individuals to the UK after their asylum claims were denied in Belgium. They are believed to have used small boats to cross the English Channel. The NCA has stated that this group has transported a significant number of people.

British and Belgian police collaborated on a two-year investigation into the gang. Other suspects were apprehended in Belgium and France as part of the same investigation. The NCA has affirmed its commitment to disrupting these types of criminal operations. They are working with international partners to bring these criminals to justice.

The government has stated its intention to apprehend criminals and ensure those accused face charges. They aim to collaborate with global partners to combat criminal activity at the borders.

In December, other men were arrested for similar offenses in a separate case. In that instance, a court in Antwerp sentenced 20 individuals involved in the smuggling gang to a combined 170 years in prison, with sentences ranging from two to 18 years. The NCA reports having 70 active smuggling investigations underway.

The two men arrested in Leicester are scheduled to appear in court soon at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The other men who were apprehended had previously appeared before that court.