Two members of an international people-smuggling gang convicted of child sexual abuse are facing extradition to Belgium following their arrest in the UK.
Zeeshan Banghis, 21, and Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai, 24, both Afghan nationals, were among 23 gang members sentenced by an Antwerp court in November 2024 for a range of offences including people smuggling, child sexual abuse, exploitation, and possession of indecent images of children.
The criminal network organised the transport of migrants from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey, and the Balkans to France and Belgium, with thousands suspected of being smuggled via small boats to the UK from northern France.
However, the gang’s activities extended far beyond smuggling operations. According to the National Crime Agency, members filmed themselves raping young migrants for blackmail purposes, forcing victims into criminality and further abuse.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the crimes as “nothing short of sickening” and noted they “inflicted extreme cruelty on vulnerable migrants and children.”
Convictions and Sentences
The Antwerp court handed down a total of 170 years imprisonment to the 23 convicted gang members, with individual sentences ranging from two to 18 years. Two members were specifically convicted of child sexual abuse and exploitation, while six were convicted for possession of indecent images of children.
Banghis received a three-year sentence and was fined 3,000 euros (£2,601), while Ahmedzai was handed a ten-year sentence and an identical fine. Both men were among 11 members tried in their absence after fleeing Belgium.
UK Arrests
Banghis was arrested on 18 December 2024 at New Kent Road in Southwark, while Ahmedzai was detained on 30 December in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Both men have since appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for extradition hearings.
Andy Kelly, head of the NCA’s National Extradition Unit, stated: “This gang operated across the globe and piled misery on migrants. It is shocking that disgraceful sexual offences were committed. This joint investigation has succeeded against a global threat, and these extraditions send a strong message.”
International Collaboration
The operation involved close cooperation between the NCA, Belgian Federal Police, Border Force, and Immigration Enforcement. According to the NCA, the agency provided intelligence and evidence for two years to help safeguard UK-bound migrants.
The Home Secretary referenced the government’s broader border security efforts, including new deals with Iraq and Germany, work through the Calais Group, and a £150m investment in Border Security Command.
