In January, a distressing incident highlighted the perils faced by migrants as they attempt to cross the Atlantic for a better life in Europe, with many falling victim to cunning people smugglers.
**Exposing the Dark World of Atlantic Migrant Smuggling**
**Exposing the Dark World of Atlantic Migrant Smuggling**
Recent investigations reveal the chilling practices of smugglers like Fadi Gujjar, who endanger migrants in deadly crossings to Europe.
In January, a group of migrants tragically lost their lives attempting to cross the Atlantic when their boat was adrift for 14 days. Many of them were deceived by smugglers who falsely promised a safe passage into Europe. BBC Verify has conducted a revealing investigation that tracks one such trafficker, Fadi Gujjar, whose illegal operations spread across multiple continents.
A social media video showcasing Gujjar's laid-back interactions with friends in Mauritania's capital reveals a stark contrast to the suffering suffered by his clients. Sufian Ali and Atif Shahzad, who appear in the video, would soon die under brutal conditions onboard a vessel sold to them by Gujjar.
The investigation uncovered Gujjar's origins in Jaurah, Pakistan, where he disguises his activities online, using edited travel clips instead of direct advertisements for his smuggling routes. Remaining elusive, his digital footprint places him in Istanbul, Turkey, a hub for smugglers, and Mauritania— the launch point for countless perilous journeys to the Canary Islands.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) documents a worrying trend in Mauritania, noting the surge in migrant deaths attributed to smugglers like Gujjar. These dangerous undertakings often compel desperate migrants, primarily from Pakistan, to risk everything for a shot at a better life, with many paying upwards of $13,000 for their journeys.
Survivors of Gujjar's operations recount harrowing experiences upon arrival in Nouakchott, where they were housed in "safe houses"—a euphemism for illegal detention by smugglers. One survivor, Uzair Bhat, detailed how Gujjar convinced him to abandon a supposed legal route, claiming the only option left was a decrepit boat that lead to desperation and violence.
The migrants' journey ended in horror, as improper conditions led to starvation, dehydration, and fatal beatings inflicted by the crew. Out of desperation, survivors took action when they sighted a larger vessel, leading to their eventual rescue amid the tragic discovery of deceased companions.
Despite multiple police reports naming Gujjar as a crucial figure in this disaster, he remains unscathed and elusive, suggesting the ongoing struggle against this dark underworld of human trafficking. Efforts are underway to curb these operations, but the devastation continues, as families grieve the loss of their loved ones, lured into dangerous situations by false promises of safety and prosperity.
