One of Europe’s Most Notorious Human Traffickers captured in Iraq. Barzan Majeed, infamously known as “the Scorpion,” was apprehended by Kurdish regional security forces in the Sulaymaniyah area of Iraq on Monday, following a request from Interpol. Majeed, who previously resided in Nottingham, was convicted in absentia in Belgium for human trafficking crimes in 2022, after a joint investigation by UK and Belgian authorities.

One of Europe’s Most Notorious Human Traffickers captured in Iraq

The National Crime Agency had been pursuing Majeed for his involvement in attempting to smuggle 100 migrants to the UK using small boats and trucks. His arrest marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against human trafficking in Europe.

The issue of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats has seen a dramatic rise in recent years. In response, the UK Parliament approved the government’s controversial Rwanda policy, aimed at reducing the number of small boat arrivals.

The region faces rising unemployment and corruption

Many of these migrants come from Iraq’s northern Kurdish region. Despite being more prosperous and stable compared to other parts of Iraq, the region faces rising unemployment and corruption, driving many young Kurds to risk the perilous journey to Europe.

Majeed’s capture underscores the international efforts to combat human trafficking and the crucial role of cooperation between agencies like Interpol and national security forces. His arrest not only brings a notorious trafficker to justice but also highlights the persistent challenges faced by migrants and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of migration.

As Europe continues to grapple with the complexities of migration and human trafficking, the arrest of figures like Majeed serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation and to ensure justice for the victims of these heinous crimes.