A notorious human trafficker, known as ‘The Scorpion’, has been apprehended in Iraq after evading authorities for two years. Barzan Kamal Majeed, the mastermind behind an extensive smuggling network responsible for transporting an estimated 10,000 migrants across the English Channel, was arrested by the Kurdistan Region’s security forces (Asayish) on Monday.
Majeed, also known as ‘Scorpion’, had been missing since November 2022 when he failed to appear in court in Belgium for a sentencing hearing after being convicted of trafficking offences.
His arrest came following an investigation initiated by Interpol, as confirmed by Asayish. Majeed’s capture coincided with the release of the final episode of the To Catch a Scorpion podcast, where he was confronted by a BBC journalist and British aid worker.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4 Intrigue podcast, Majeed admitted to orchestrating a people smuggling gang in Belgium and France between 2016 and 2019. He boasted of his involvement in facilitating illegal crossings to the UK, claiming responsibility for ’95 to 99 per cent’ of such journeys during that time.
Despite admitting his role in the smuggling operation, Majeed denied being the mastermind, alleging that others implicated him to reduce their sentences.
The arrest of Majeed marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies, particularly the National Crime Agency (NCA), which had been working tirelessly to track him down since 2022. Majeed’s criminal activities spanned across Europe, with connections in the UK, Belgium, and France.
His arrest underscores the ongoing challenges posed by human trafficking and illegal migration, particularly across the English Channel. The incident comes amid a surge in irregular migration, with more than 1,000 people having arrived in the UK by boat since May 4, according to Home Office figures.
While Majeed’s capture is a significant development in the fight against organized crime, authorities remain vigilant as they continue to address the complex issue of irregular migration and human trafficking.
As the investigation unfolds, Majeed’s arrest serves as a reminder of the collaborative efforts required to combat transnational crimes and uphold the integrity of borders.
