Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday 10th April 2025 at 19:10hrs
A Preston man has been charged following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into a significant people smuggling operation.
Anjan Ahmadi, 26, of Stafano Road, Preston, appeared in court today after being linked to the activities of Amanj Hasan Zada, who was jailed for 17 years in November 2024 for a series of people smuggling offences.
Ahmadi was initially arrested in July 2024 as part of the NCA’s enquiry into Zada.
Investigators successfully connected Zada to multiple instances of migrants being illegally moved into the UK from France in late 2023.
The NCA believes Zada is part of a wider global network responsible for smuggling individuals from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) into the UK and Europe.
In a significant international effort, three men were also arrested in the KRI in January as part of this ongoing operation.
Now, Ahmadi, suspected of working in concert with Zada, has been formally charged by NCA investigators.
He faces five counts of facilitating illegal immigration, relating to the movement of migrants into both the UK and the European Union.
Having answered bail today, Ahmadi has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Preston magistrates tomorrow (Friday, April 11, 2025).
This latest development underscores the NCA’s commitment to dismantling international people smuggling networks and bringing those involved to justice.
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