Three Jailed for UK People Smuggling Operation

A British pensioner, Rashida Ayub, 69, and two Afghan nationals, Jumagaul Mohamadi, 57, and Wshiar Sarteep, 31, have been sentenced for attempting to smuggle two Afghan migrants into the UK by hiding them in the boot of a Kia Sportage. The incident occurred on January 29, 2017, when UK Border Force officers discovered the migrants during a search in Coquelles, France. The trio was found guilty of facilitating a breach of UK immigration law and received sentences totaling over 10 years during a hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester. Ayub was sentenced to four years, Mohamadi to three years and six months, and Sarteep to 32 months. Home Office officials emphasized the disregard for the safety of the migrants and highlighted the focus on financial gain among smugglers. The case forms part of broader efforts by authorities to combat human trafficking and people smuggling operations.