A man who made a living by facilitating illegal people smuggling has found himself facing a lengthy prison sentence after a successful investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Pistiwan Jameel, a 54-year-old Birmingham resident, ran an operation that profited from exploiting vulnerable migrants.
He acted as a broker for smuggling gangs, linking them with people desperate to cross the Channel into the UK.
A Dangerous Business
Jameel, originally from Iraq, arrived in the UK in 2002.
He became a key figure in the illicit people-smuggling industry, claiming to have earned over $2 million (£1.57 million) for his criminal networks.
Jameel facilitated numerous crossings using small boats, taking advantage of his connections with smugglers in France.
Despite his criminal enterprise, he was heard lamenting the increasing competition in the trade, which he said was driving down prices for his services.
In September 2023, NCA surveillance officers caught Jameel arranging a deal with a client, Artan Halilaj, an Albanian national living in West London.
During the meeting in Birmingham, Jameel handed over cash in exchange for arranging a crossing for Halilaj’s relative.
This transaction was just one example of Jameel’s involvement in the illegal movement of people into the UK.
Key Arrests and Evidence
The NCA’s investigation into Jameel revealed more than just his financial profits.
His phone contained evidence of numerous illegal crossings, including messages and images that linked him to up to 50 people who entered the UK on small boats between 2022 and 2023.
During wiretaps, investigators overheard Jameel discussing his illegal dealings and referring to the migrants as “pigeons” or “sticks,” indicating his complete disregard for their safety.
One particularly revealing conversation showed Jameel bragging about his earnings, claiming that he made at least $2 million for his associates.
In another, he discussed a deal that would see him make around £7,800 by moving a migrant from the Middle East to Turkey.
These conversations painted a clear picture of Jameel’s ruthless business practices.
Legal Consequences
After extensive surveillance, the NCA arrested Jameel and his accomplices last October.
Fiorentino Halilaj, another key figure involved in the operation, was arrested the following day.
Both Jameel and Fiorentino pled guilty to charges of facilitating illegal immigration, while Artan Halilaj denied any involvement, although he was convicted after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
The scale of Jameel’s operation is still unclear, but investigators believe he played a significant role in a long-running smuggling ring that endangered the lives of many migrants.
Ongoing Efforts to Disrupt Smuggling Networks
Paul Jones, the NCA’s Branch Operations Manager, emphasized the dangers posed by smugglers like Jameel.
“People smugglers don’t care about the safety and security of those they transport,” Jones said.
“Jameel was willing to put people in life-threatening situations just so he could profit.”
The NCA, supported by Immigration Enforcement and Border Force, remains committed to targeting these criminal gangs and dismantling their operations.
The investigation into Jameel and his associates serves as a warning to others in the trade that they will not escape justice.
As the trio awaits sentencing, the NCA continues its fight against people smuggling, determined to disrupt these dangerous networks and hold the criminals accountable for their actions.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn