People trafficker will face trial in France after 27 migrants drowned

A suspected people trafficker accused of manslaughter following the deaths of at least 27 migrants who drowned while trying to cross the Channel has been extradited to France.

Harem Ahmed Abwbaker, 32, was arrested by National Crime Agency investigators, alongside officers from the National Extradition Unit, at a hotel in Cheltenham last November.

He was identified and tracked down by the NCA, who have been working with the French authorities to investigate the circumstances which led to the deaths.

Abwbaker is alleged to be a member of the organised crime group who conspired to transport the migrants to the UK in a small boat.

The vessel sank after leaving the French coast, leading to the deaths of all but two of those aboard.

Sixteen of those killed were Iraqi-Kurds while four were from Afghanistan.

Abwbaker consented to extradition on 28 June and was taken back to France on 7 July.

He faces charges of manslaughter, human trafficking, and organised crime charges before the French courts.

Earlier Michael McHardy, for the French authorities, earlier told Westminster Magistrates’ Court: ‘He is described in the warrant as the right-hand-man of the leader of the organised criminal gang involved in people trafficking.

‘The French navy discovered a makeshift boat. 25 bodies were recovered from the sea. Tragically, there were only two survivors.’

The survivors identified Abwbaker as one of the people involved.

‘The victims paid $3,200 each,’ said Mr McHardy.

Abwbaker’s phone was tracked, and found in Germany on 26 November.

‘The requested person was specifically responsible for getting them onto the vessel,’ said Mr McHardy.

‘The requested person was in contact with the victim’s family after the event and offered them money to stay silent.

‘The boat was totally unsuitable for crossing due to the poor design, lack of navigation equipment and life saving equipment on board.’

Mr McHardy added: ‘He has made a claim for asylum.’

Abwbaker was aided by a Kurdish Sorani interpreter during his extradition hearings.

NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner earlier said Awbaker is ‘suspected of having played a key role in the manslaughter of those who died.’

He added: ‘The NCA are working closely with our French partners to investigate this Channel dinghy tragedy. We remain determined to get justice for the families of those whose lives were lost.

‘Tackling people smuggling remains a priority for us, and we continue to disrupt and dismantle the cruel organised criminal networks involved.’

Following Abwbaker’s arrest last November Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: ‘My thoughts continue to be with the families of all of those who tragically lost their lives in this horrendous incident.

‘I thank the NCA and other agencies across the UK and France for their tireless work to deliver justice for the victims and their families by identifying those we believe to be responsible and ensuring they feel the full force of the law.’