A notorious criminal mastermind behind a daring maritime smuggling operation has finally been brought to justice. Pistiwan Jameel, a prolific people smuggler based in Birmingham, orchestrated a high-stakes operation worth £1.5 million to transport migrants across the perilous waters of the English Channel in small boats. Jameel, who callously referred to migrants as “pigeons” and “sticks,” utilized his connections with criminal gangs in northern France to facilitate these risky journeys for his clients.
The 55-year-old Jameel was apprehended after assisting Albanian national Artan Halilaj in smuggling his relative, Fiorentino Halilaj, into the UK in September 2023. Following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Jameel was found guilty on two counts of facilitating illegal immigration. Subsequently, he was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison. Jameel’s co-conspirators, Artan Halilaj and Fiorentino Halilaj, were also convicted on one count of the same offense and received prison sentences of three years and six months, and two years and six months, respectively.
Surveillance operations by the National Crime Agency (NCA) uncovered Jameel’s illicit activities, including a meeting with Artan Halilaj in Birmingham where cash was exchanged. During this meeting, Jameel was overheard authorizing the transport of passengers, affirming that all was set for their illegal journey. Fiorentino Halilaj successfully crossed the English Channel the following day in a rigid inflatable boat before authorities seized his phone, which contained incriminating evidence linking back to Jameel.
In sentencing Jameel, Judge Heidi Kubik emphasized his pivotal role in a sophisticated commercial enterprise that facilitated illegal immigration for profit. Despite not being the top orchestrator, evidence recovered from Jameel’s phone, including images of 40 passports, implicated him in a sizeable operation involving the smuggling of individuals through small boats. Judge Kubik highlighted the dangers posed by such crossings, emphasizing the risks to migrants’ lives and the security concerns for the UK.
Prosecutors revealed that Fiorentino Halilaj sought to follow in his brother-in-law’s footsteps by illegally entering the UK and finding work without authorization. However, Fiorentino expressed remorse and a desire to return to Albania, having learned valuable lessons from his criminal activities. Artan Halilaj’s defense maintained his minimal involvement in the operation, stating that he only assisted in the financial aspect without personal gain.
As the legal proceedings concluded, Judge Kubik indicated that the fate of the convicted individuals would be determined by the Home Office, potentially leading to detention in immigration centers. The capture and prosecution of these criminals serve as a significant milestone in curbing illicit smuggling operations across the English Channel.
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