The National Crime Agency (NCA) has launched an appeal for information to trace Rafal Wojciech Habiak, a Polish national convicted in his absence of importing firearms. The 40-year-old failed to appear for his trial at Canterbury Crown Court in August, leading to his conviction in absentia.

Habiak, who resided in Grimsby at the time, was initially arrested in 2018 after Border Force officers at Dover discovered a handgun, ammunition hidden under the floor of a Mercedes car, and a rucksack containing ten cartridges of CS gas. Following his arrest, Habiak was charged and pleaded guilty to importation offences, resulting in a five-year prison sentence.

During his incarceration, further evidence from his phone indicated additional concealed weapons in the seized vehicle. Subsequent searches revealed an Ekol pistol with five live rounds, a flare pistol, and more ammunition.

Upon his release in January 2021, Habiak moved to Cleethorpes and faced new charges of conspiring to import firearms, alongside Marcin Matwijow, 44, from Liverpool. Matwijow pleaded guilty and received a seven-year and ten-month sentence. However, Habiak failed to attend his trial, and a jury quickly found him guilty in his absence. On 3 October, a judge sentenced him to an additional 18 months in prison, factoring in his previous sentence, and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

NCA Branch Commander Adam Berry stated, “Rafal Habiak lived in Grimsby and Cleethorpes at the time of his offences and had connections in Liverpool. We believe someone has information on his whereabouts. Those aiding him should be aware they might be committing an offence.”

“Gun smuggling is a severe crime, and we are committed to ensuring Habiak serves his full sentence,” Berry added.

Anyone with information on Habiak’s location is urged to contact the NCA directly at 0370 496 7622 or reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously online or by phone at 0800 555 111.