An Egyptian national who masterminded the illegal smuggling of thousands of migrants across the Mediterranean in perilous “death trap” boats has been jailed for 25 years following a major investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Who Is Ahmed Ebid?

Ahmed Ramadan Mohamad Ebid, 42, was arrested in Hounslow, west London, in June 2023 and has now been sentenced at Southwark Crown Court. Described by the judge as holding a “significant managerial role within an organised crime group,” Ebid worked with smuggling networks in Libya to arrange crossings that endangered thousands of lives.

The Scale of His Operation

Ebid’s network arranged at least seven crossings in 2022 and 2023, ferrying an estimated 3,800 people into Italian waters. The migrants were crammed onto unseaworthy wooden fishing boats, some carrying more than 600 people at a time. Each person paid around £3,200, generating more than £12 million for the smugglers.

“Tell them guys anyone caught with a phone will be killed, threw in the sea,” Ebid said in a chilling intercepted message, illustrating the brutal methods used to maintain secrecy and control.

Tragic Crossings

• In October 2022, 640 people were rescued off the coast of Sicily; two bodies were recovered.
• In December 2022, 265 migrants were saved from a drifting vessel that left Benghazi, Libya.
• In April 2023, two more rescue operations saved over 1,200 people.

Ebid was coordinating with associates in real time during some of these crossings, according to evidence gathered from his seized mobile phone. The device also contained videos of migrants at sea and financial transfer details.

Sentencing and Legal Proceedings

Ebid pleaded guilty in October 2023 to conspiring to assist unlawful immigration. Although he claimed to be a minor player, a Newton Hearing determined that he was, in fact, a senior figure in the operation.

“Ebid was part of a crime network who preyed upon the desperation of migrants,” said Jacque Beer, NCA Regional Head of Investigation. “To him they were just a source of profit.”

 Reactions from Authorities

Tim Burton, CPS Specialist Prosecutor:

“His repeated involvement in helping to facilitate these dangerous crossings showed a complete disregard for the safety of thousands of people.”

Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum:

“Ebid and his associates preyed on vulnerable individuals… This government is committed to strengthening our borders and tackling organised immigration crime.”