Amanj Hasan Zada, a 34-year-old man operating from his home on Stefano Road in Preston, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after being found guilty on three counts of facilitating illegal immigration. The verdict was delivered at Preston Crown Court, highlighting the seriousness of Zada’s involvement in a sophisticated people-smuggling operation that exploited vulnerable migrants seeking refuge in the UK.
Known amongst those he smuggled as Amanj Zaman, Zada ran a criminal network that thrived on social media. He boldly advertised his services online, flaunting his lifestyle and criminal activities. In one shocking video, reportedly filmed in Iraq, Zada could be seen celebrating with friends, tossing cash into the air and firing a gun in a misguided display of joy. The footage featured individuals singing praises to him, branding him the “best smuggler,” and asserting that “all the smugglers have learned from him.” This ostentatious display not only showcased his disregard for the law but also served as a chilling reminder of the lengths to which traffickers will go to exalt their criminal enterprises.
National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators thoroughly examined Zada’s operations and traced his involvement to three separate maritime crossings from France to the UK that occurred in November and December 2023. Each operation facilitated the illegal entry of Kurdish migrants who had embarked on perilous journeys through Eastern Europe, traversing countries such as Germany and Belgium before reaching France. These individuals, many of whom were fleeing war and persecution, put their lives in Zada’s hands, demonstrating the heart-wrenching desperation that drove them to take such risks.
The insights gained by the NCA extended beyond the physical crossings. Officers discovered another video circulating on social media, in which several individuals he had successfully helped praised Zada for his assistance. A particular group of men in Italy explicitly thanked him for his services, further demonstrating how deeply his criminal network had penetrated migrant communities across multiple countries. This interconnectedness underscores a broader issue related to how networks of smugglers operate and perpetuate cycles of exploitation.
Investigators were able to gather substantial evidence, including recorded conversations between Zada and other smugglers. These recordings detailed discussions surrounding the movement of migrants, landing locations, and planned crossings, exposing the organized nature of his operations. Following his arrest, authorities seized Zada’s phone, which contained a trove of incriminating information. Analysis of the device revealed multiple social media accounts used to promote his illegal activities, as well as numerous phone numbers linked to his criminal enterprise.
Zada’s direct communication with migrants seeking refuge was also uncovered. Travel tickets for those who had made the treacherous journey across the Channel in 2023 were found on his phone, a stark reminder of the human lives intertwined with his unlawful business operations. The evidence painted a clear picture of a man motivated purely by profit, with no regard for the safety and well-being of the individuals he exploited.
NCA Branch Commander Martin Clarke expressed grave concern over Zada’s actions, stating, “Amanj Hasan Zada ran a sophisticated people smuggling enterprise, using social media to advertise his services. While we have uncovered evidence directly linking him to three specific crossings, there is no doubt in my mind that he was likely to have been involved in many more.” His remarks shed light on the alarming reality that many smugglers operate without remorse, prioritizing financial gain over the lives they jeopardize.
Clarke’s statement further emphasized the risks faced by migrants entrusting their lives to smugglers like Zada. “For him, it was all about profit, and he had no issues with putting people in life-threatening situations as long as he got paid,” he said. This assertion starkly illustrates an ongoing humanitarian crisis driven by the actions of unscrupulous individuals preying on desperate people.
In response to this growing crisis, the National Crime Agency has ramped up its efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal gangs involved in people smuggling. As of now, they are actively conducting around 70 ongoing investigations targeting networks or individuals engaged in organized immigration crime and human trafficking. These investigations focus on those inflicting the highest harm and operating within the most challenging environments to navigate.
As the situation escalates, political leaders have taken notice, recognizing the urgency of the matter. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to “smash the gangs” during his election campaign, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to tackling the issue of small boat crossings in the Channel. This commitment reflects a broader concern regarding border security and the welfare of individuals who find themselves ensnared in the deadly web of human trafficking.
The case of Amanj Hasan Zada serves as a dire warning about the ruthless nature of human smugglers and the desperation driving countless migrants to risk everything for a chance at a better life. As law enforcement agencies and political leaders grapple with the complexities of this ongoing crisis, the lives of those impacted by these nefarious networks remain at the forefront of the discussion, calling for immediate action and lasting change in policy and enforcement aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations.