An international crackdown on a Syrian-led organized crime network, believed to be one of Europe’s largest people-smuggling operations, has resulted in at least 20 arrests across multiple countries. The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) joined forces with German authorities, Europol, and Eurojust in the coordinated action on Wednesday, November 20.

The network is accused of smuggling at least 750 Syrian migrants into the UK and Germany, charging each individual between 4,500 and 12,000 euros. Migrants were allegedly transported through the Balkans and Eastern Europe, often in groups of up to 100. For those traveling to the UK, the route extended through the Netherlands, with final journeys completed in boats or hidden in heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

"This was a major operation targeting a dangerous and harmful international people smuggling network operating in multiple countries, and impacting on the UK," NCA Director of Investigations John Denley said in a statement.

Thirteen countries are cooperating to dismantle the network.

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Cross-border effort

The operation involved law enforcement agencies from Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, in addition to Germany and the UK. Authorities conducted raids across the continent, seizing vehicles, cash, and electronic equipment, including phones and computers.

Among the key arrests was Hussam Al Ramli, a 35-year-old Iraqi national apprehended by NCA investigators at his home in Bilston, Wolverhampton. Al Ramli is accused of facilitating illegal border crossings from Belarus to Poland and arranging further travel to the German-Polish border. Investigators allege he also advertised these services online.

Polish police accompanied the NCA during Al Ramli’s arrest. He faces extradition to Poland, where he is wanted on people-smuggling charges. Extradition proceedings are expected to commence shortly at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

"This arrest, done alongside our Polish colleagues, means this individual will now face justice in Poland," Denley said. "Along with partners we have targeted a significant people smuggling gang, operating in the UK and across Europe, which is why international co-operation was so crucial."

Simultaneous raids conducted across multiple countries resulted in several arrests. In Germany, four suspects were detained, while six individuals were arrested in Austria. Authorities in Serbia took six suspects into custody, and three arrests were made in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Searches were also conducted in the Netherlands. The arrests highlight the extensive reach of the criminal network, which has allegedly operated across 20 countries since 2021.

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German authorities conduct raids in Hanover, Leipzig, and Duisburg

As part of the coordinated European operation, German authorities conducted raids in Hanover, Leipzig, and Duisburg.

German investigators confiscated extensive evidence from four suspects, aged 31 to 43, including smartphones and computers. One 43-year-old suspect, believed to be the ringleader, is also under investigation for incitement to attempted murder in three cases and aggravated robbery.

The group is accused of using the Balkan route for years to smuggle people into Europe. During one operation from Belarus to Latvia, two migrants reportedly died.

Officials from the Traunstein Public Prosecutor's Office and Munich Federal Police described the smuggling network as highly organized and increasingly violent. The gang is suspected of generating significant profits while endangering lives on dangerous routes and resorting to violence against both migrants and rival groups.

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Combating people smuggling 'key priority'

The operation is part of a broader international effort to dismantle intricate human-smuggling networks. The NCA highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating these groups. Authorities continue to investigate the group’s operations, signaling that further arrests could follow.

The NCA stated that "Tackling people smuggling is a key priority… and we are putting more resource into targeting, disrupting and dismantling the groups behind it than ever before." 

"This includes working closely with our European partners to target these networks who threaten our border security, see people as a commodity and put lives at risk," Denley said.

The UK's Minister for Border Security and Asylum Angela Eagle added: "We will stop at nothing to root out criminal networks wherever we find them. This includes working with partners overseas in the collective pursuit of organized criminal smuggling gangs.

 "…We are investing more funding and resource into this vital work. This significant arrest is another prime example of the kind of work we will deliver more of. Criminals profiteering from human suffering should be in no doubt that we will dismantle their networks and end this evil trade," Eagle said.

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