In a significant development in the fight against illegal immigration, three individuals have been sentenced to a combined total of over 10 years in prison for their involvement in a people smuggling operation. The sentencing took place yesterday at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester.
A British pensioner, Rashida Ayub, 69, and Afghan nationals Jumagaul Mohamadi, 57, and Wshiar Sarteep, 31, have been found guilty of facilitating a breach of UK immigration law. The case stems from an incident on January 29, 2017, when UK Border Force officers searched a Kia Sportage driven by Ayub at Coquelles, France. The vehicle was bound for the UK. During the inspection, officers discovered two Afghan nationals concealed in the boot of the car. Ayub was immediately arrested at the scene.
Further investigation into Ayub’s finances and mobile phone data led authorities to identify Mohamadi and Sarteep as additional members of the smuggling operation.
The court handed down the following sentences:
- Rashida Ayub: 4 years
- Jumagaul Mohamadi: 3 years and 6 months
- Wshiar Sarteep: 32 months
This sentencing is part of a broader, ongoing investigation by Home Office Criminal and Financial investigators into people smuggling routes into the UK.
Paul Moran, Home Office Criminal Investigation Supervisor, commented on the case, stating, “Thousands of pounds were exchanged to smuggle these people into the country, with total disregard for their safety and welfare. They were crammed inside the boot to allow it to close.
Moran emphasized the financial motivation behind such operations, noting, “As with many smuggling operations we encounter, the sole priority of these criminals is financial gain, at the expense of those they exploit under false promises.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome, adding, “I am delighted our teams have stopped them from succeeding. We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who heartlessly endanger vulnerable people to make money.
