Authorities in the Kurdistan region of Iraq announced the arrest of one of the most wanted human traffickers in Europe. The region's security apparatus stated that it captured Barzan Majeed, nicknamed "Scorpion," in Sulaymaniyah, based on a request from Interpol and "after exchanging intelligence information." It added that he has been handed over to the region's justice department.
The UK's National Crime Agency announced Majeed's arrest via its account on the X platform. "The NCA has been informed of the arrest of Barzan Majeed – nicknamed ‘Scorpion’ - in the Kurdish region of Northern Iraq."
The crime agency had issued a call for assistance to track Majeed in 2022, after he was convicted in absentia in Belgium for human trafficking crimes, following a joint investigation between London and Brussels. The agency clarified that he attempted to smuggle 100 migrants to Britain in boats and small trucks. Many potential migrants originate from the Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq. Despite the region being more prosperous and relatively stable than other areas of the country, high unemployment rates and corruption are driving many Kurdish youths to undertake this dangerous journey.
