Gang members jailed for smuggling migrants to Britain on easyJet and Ryanair flights
Four Iranian men have been jailed for a combined total of 18 years and five months for orchestrating a sophisticated people smuggling operation that targeted UK airports.
The Swansea-based gang booked 35 flights using false identities on airlines including Ryanair and easyJet between August 2018 and January 2020.
The criminal enterprise was uncovered after Home Office teams intercepted selfies taken by Iranian migrants being smuggled into Britain.
Two members of the group were initially arrested for people smuggling in December 2019, with four more suspects apprehended in July 2021 following a thorough investigation.
Digital evidence gathered during the four-year probe revealed a wealth of incriminating material, including images of false documents used in the operation.
The gang’s downfall came through their own documentation of the crimes, with boastful selfies taken by Iranian migrants being transported into the UK proving crucial to investigators.
Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigation officers led the complex investigation after the initial arrests in late 2019.
The criminal network exploited commercial airlines, making fraudulent bookings to transport migrants through UK airports.
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Their sophisticated scheme involved creating false identities to book flights, demonstrating the increasingly complex methods used by people smuggling gangs.
The operation continued for nearly 18 months before law enforcement intervention brought it to an end.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum Dame Angela Eagle, said: “Today’s sentencing makes clear that anyone who exploits our border for profit can expect to face justice.
“We’re doing everything we can to boost our border security as part of our Plan for Change, and stay ahead of the people smuggling gangs attempting to undermine the safety and security of the UK.
“I’m grateful to the officers whose hard work put these criminals behind bars.”
Home Office criminal and financial investigations assistant director Tony Hilton said: “Our officers have worked tirelessly for four years to bring this crime group to justice, and it’s thanks to their hard work that more people smugglers are now in prison.
“We will continue to crack down on all forms of people smuggling, including those who exploit others for profit and put the safety of the UK public at risk.”
Kaveh Nazari received two sentences of five years seven months to be served concurrently. Seyed Hangeroudi was sentenced to three years seven months.
Both Mohammed Khatir and Smerdis Hakhamanesh were sentenced to 22 months suspended for 12 months plus 180 hours unpaid work respectively.