Gemma Higgins | 24 June 2024

Summary

• Barzan Majeed, alias “Scorpion,” was arrested on 12th May, for his prominent role in people smuggling across the English Channel.

• Despite a two-year joint UK-Belgian police investigation, Majeed evaded capture until a BBC investigation revealed his location, later disclosed on a podcast.

• The arrest highlights the complexities and challenges of cross-border law enforcement and cooperation. It highlights both progress and ongoing struggles in addressing illegal migration and further exacerbates criticisms concerning trust in British police.

Barzan Majeed, a notorious people smuggler also known as “Scorpion,” was apprehended on May 12th, 2024, in Iraq. His location, disclosed in a BBC podcast, led to his arrest by local police while he was living openly in Iraqi Kurdistan. Majeed had been the subject of a joint UK-Belgian investigation due to his significant involvement in the people-smuggling trade, using boats and lorries to transport individuals across the English Channel. Before his capture, Majeed had been convicted in absentia by a Belgian court for multiple counts of people smuggling, claiming to have smuggled anywhere from "a thousand to 10,000" people.

Majeed's arrest raises critical questions about current challenges international law enforcement agencies are facing, particularly in coordinating efforts across different states and regions. The BBC's success in locating Majeed, contrasted with the difficulties faced by police forces due to jurisdictional issues and the complexities of international cooperation, highlights a significant disparity in operational capabilities. Nonetheless, the arrest has spurred hopes for increased collaboration among law enforcement agencies, with European investigators sharing information with Iraqi officials to apprehend other high-level smugglers.

Despite the significance of this arrest, substantial challenges remain in combating people smuggling, including bureaucratic obstacles to international cooperation and the exploitation of legal loopholes by criminal organisations. Discussions to improve cooperation between countries have been ongoing. For example, Britain and Turkey issued a joint statement last year pledging to combat smuggling gangs. Turkey agreed to establish a new centre of excellence to enhance collaboration and intelligence-sharing between enforcement agencies. However, actions have not always matched these pledges, as evidenced by reports of Turkish and French police allowing migrant boats to depart from their coasts.

The slow process of drawing up agreements on a country-by-country basis, especially with nations including Iran, Cambodia, and Vietnam, contributes to the lack of cooperation. Criminal gangs exploit these weaknesses in international legal frameworks, highlighting the need for increased bureaucracy and stronger state relationships to address these vulnerabilities effectively.

Analysis

Illegal Immigration and Boat-Crossing Policies

The arrest of Majeed highlights the intersection of international challenges in combating smuggling with key domestic issues, particularly in the context of the upcoming UK general election on July 4th, 2024. The capture highlights disparities between journalistic efforts and the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies, revealing weaknesses in international cooperation and intelligence-sharing. This necessitates enhanced diplomatic efforts to establish cooperation agreements with countries identified as smuggling hotspots. However, geopolitical tensions and conflicts, such as those in the Middle East, present inherent difficulties in building public support and navigating foreign policy challenges.

Sunak's emphasis on a 'secure future' for Britain illustrates the significance of national security and defence in the election debate. Illegal migration and the 'stop the boat policy' are major topics, with concerns about large numbers of migrants crossing the Channel in the summer months. Having said this, both parties' policies centre on community safety and national security concerns. 

Majeed's arrest prompts further discussion surrounding border security, international cooperation, and domestic policy priorities in the lead-up to the general election. Political parties will likely capitalise on the issue, advocating for robust policies, increased resources for law enforcement, and comprehensive socio-economic reforms to address the root causes of illegal migration. 

Trust in the Police and the Impact on the Upcoming Election

Furthermore, Majeed's capture starkly highlights the discord between journalistic endeavours and law enforcement effectiveness, revealing significant weaknesses in international cooperation and intelligence-sharing. The BBC's success in locating Majeed, contrasted with the failure of international agencies, showcases a troubling disparity in operational capabilities. This underscores the need for increased diplomatic efforts to facilitate collaboration agreements, especially with countries known as smuggling hubs. Navigating such partnerships amidst geopolitical complexities, including conflicts in the Middle East, poses significant challenges and may further complicate public perception of foreign policy decisions.

Moreover, the failure of law enforcement agencies to apprehend Majeed despite his high-profile status exacerbates existing concerns about the police's efficacy, tarnishing their reputation. Where civilian journalists have outperformed professional investigators, it has undermined public trust and confidence in law enforcement capabilities even further. This failure to act decisively may significantly influence voter sentiment and electoral outcomes, particularly as the public displays heightened insecurity and concerns about national security.

The arrest of Majeed injects a sense of urgency into the discourse surrounding border security, international cooperation, and domestic law enforcement practices, with ramifications for the upcoming general election. The prominent parties will be compelled to address these shortcomings, advocating for robust policies, increased resources, and systemic reforms to restore the public’s trust and effectively combat illegal migration and smuggling activities. 

Ultimately, Majeed's arrest not only signifies a breakthrough in the continued fight against smuggling, but also illustrates broader systemic issues within both British and international law enforcement agencies. These failures highlight the need for comprehensive reforms and possible realignment of priorities, as the public's perception of security and law enforcement efficacy will undoubtedly shape electoral dynamics leading up to the UK general election.

Forecast

• Short-term

  • Majeed’s arrest is likely to intensify discussions and actions centred around border security and law enforcement cooperation. Political parties, especially those vying for positions in the upcoming UK general election, will emphasise the need for swift and decisive measures to combat illegal migration and smuggling activities. There are likely to be increased diplomatic efforts to strengthen cooperation agreements with countries identified as smuggling hotspots, as well as initiatives to enhance resources and training for law enforcement agencies.

• Medium-term

  • The implications of Majeed's arrest will likely shape broader discussions and policies related to border security, international cooperation, and socioeconomic development. Political parties may implement reforms aimed at improving law enforcement capabilities, enhancing intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and addressing the root causes of illegal migration, such as poverty and economic inequality. Efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations with key countries involved in smuggling activities may lead to more comprehensive and coordinated approaches to tackling transnational crimes.

• Long-term

  • Majeed's arrest may impact structural changes in both domestic and international frameworks for combating smuggling and illegal migration. There could be sustained efforts to address systemic issues such as bureaucratic obstacles to cooperation and the exploitation of legal loopholes by criminal organisations. Political parties may prioritise long-term strategies aimed at promoting economic development, poverty alleviation, and international aid as means to prevent illegal migration at its source. Additionally, there may be greater emphasis on multilateral initiatives and agreements to address global challenges related to migration and security.