Iranian Smuggler Sentenced to 17 Years in UK

Amanj Hasan Zada, a 34-year-old Iranian national, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for his role as a leading people smuggler, described by others as 'the best'. Zada, who operated from Preston, used social media to promote illegal boat crossings for migrants attempting to reach the UK. He was linked to at least three Channel crossings and was shown in a now-viral YouTube clip celebrating with musicians who praised his smuggling prowess. Additionally, two other individuals, Josh Mallaburn and Liam Cronin, received three-year sentences for their attempts to smuggle migrants through the Channel Tunnel. Zada's criminal activities included orchestrating a network that facilitated the illegal movement of Kurdish migrants across Europe. Investigators warned that more people smuggling kingpins will be pursued following Zada's conviction.