European authorities have successfully apprehended one of the continent's most infamous human smugglers in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq. The arrest of Barzan Majeed, known as 'the Scorpion,' was carried out by the regional government's security agency in Sulaymaniyah, following a request from Interpol and the exchange of intelligence information. Majeed has been handed over to the regional justice department for further proceedings.
The U.K.'s National Crime Agency confirmed Majeed's arrest, revealing that he had been convicted in absentia in Belgium for people smuggling crimes. The agency's investigation uncovered Majeed's attempt to smuggle 100 migrants to the U.K. using small boats and trucks, prompting an international search for his whereabouts.
The surge in migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats has been attributed to individuals seeking refuge from war, climate change impacts, and economic instability. Many pay exorbitant fees to smugglers in hopes of reaching the U.K. to reunite with family or secure employment in a country perceived to have lax immigration enforcement.
Recent tragic incidents, such as the deaths of five individuals, including a 7-year-old girl, during a Channel crossing, have underscored the dangers faced by migrants. The U.K. Parliament's approval of legislation allowing deportation of illegal entrants to Rwanda has raised concerns about the safety of those attempting the perilous journey.
Notably, a significant number of migrants originate from Iraq's northern Kurdish region, where rising unemployment and corruption have driven many to seek better opportunities abroad. Tragic incidents, like the loss of 16 Iraqi Kurds among a group of 27 individuals in a Channel crossing attempt, highlight the desperation and risks faced by those embarking on such journeys.
