Zeeshan Banghis

Zeeshan Banghis, a 21-year-old Afghan national also known as Bangash Zeeshan, from New Kent Road in London, was extradited to Belgium after being convicted as a member of a ruthless people smuggling syndicate that incorporated severe sexual exploitation of migrant minors.

The criminal network, including Banghis, organised the perilous journey of thousands of migrants originating from Afghanistan, routing them via Iran, Turkey, and the Balkans to destinations in Western Europe, notably Belgium and France. From there, many migrants were directed onto small boats for the dangerous Channel crossing to the UK. The operation preyed on the desperation of its victims, inflicting additional layers of abuse.

Beyond smuggling, the gang engaged in sexual offences such as rape targeting male migrant minors. These crimes were documented on video, which the perpetrators then leveraged to blackmail the young victims, compelling them to participate in further criminal enterprises and endure ongoing sexual abuse. This aspect of the operation was described as particularly disgraceful by investigating authorities.

A court in Antwerp handed down convictions in November 2024 against Banghis and 21 other associates, tried in absentia. Banghis received a sentence of three years' imprisonment and a fine of 3,000 Euros. He was apprehended in London on 18 December 2024 and extradited to Belgium on 15 January 2025 to begin serving his term.

The severity of the case drew condemnation from former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who called it 'nothing short of sickening' due to the 'extreme cruelty on the migrants they smuggled – some of them children – when they were at their most vulnerable'. Andy Kelly, head of the NCA National Extradition Unit, remarked: 'This gang operated across the globe and piled misery on migrants they transported, all for the sake of making a profit. Many of these people would have been extremely vulnerable, which makes it all the more shocking that disgraceful sexual offences were committed against some of them. Our joint investigation with Belgian law enforcement is another example of international action succeeding against a global threat. These extraditions display a very strong message that work to disrupt and dismantle the gangs behind this horrendous trade will never slow down.'

This prosecution reflects collaborative efforts between UK and Belgian authorities to address cross-border criminality and protect vulnerable populations.