Wolverhampton People Smuggler Faces Lengthy Prison Sentence Over 'Chickens' Operation
A dangerous people smuggling ring operating from Wolverhampton has been dismantled following a major investigation, with the organiser now facing deportation and a substantial prison sentence. Ramal Briem, a 33-year-old Iraqi national living in the Black Country, systematically plotted to transport migrants across Europe before facilitating their illegal entry into Britain via small boat crossings.
Dehumanising Language and Systematic Operation
Court proceedings revealed the disturbing language used within the criminal enterprise, with Briem and his accomplices referring to vulnerable migrants as 'chickens' in their communications. The organised crime group operated what prosecutors described as a 'very substantial commercial enterprise' that saw Vietnamese nationals transported across multiple European borders before attempting dangerous Channel crossings.
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how Briem charged £1,500 per person for the illegal service, with evidence showing he employed others and received significant financial remuneration for his role as a key facilitator. Prosecutor Cathlyn Orchard told the court: 'He is an established people smuggler', describing him as an organised criminal with others working under his direction.
Sophisticated Smuggling Network Uncovered
The criminal operation followed a sophisticated pattern:
- Migrants were transported from Vietnam to eastern Europe using work visas
- They were then moved to makeshift camps known as 'jungles' near Dunkirk and Calais in France
- From there, they attempted dangerous small boat crossings to the UK
- Once in Britain, migrants were collected from Home Office accommodation before disappearing into Vietnamese communities
Police investigations uncovered a ledger containing more than 1,000 names of potential migrants, highlighting the scale of the operation. The court heard how French authorities identified a UK-based individual they wanted to place under a European arrest warrant, described as the head of an organised crime group operating across multiple countries.
Incriminating Messages Reveal Operation Details
Evidence presented in court included numerous messages between Briem and an accomplice known as 'Kevin', who is currently awaiting extradition to France. In one exchange, Kevin asked Briem: 'Do you pick up chickens from Romania?' to which Briem replied: 'Tell me, any time bro, I come to help you.'
Further messages revealed:
- Briem offered to charge £1,500 'per chicken to bring them to the UK'
- Kevin reported having 'more than 30 chickens in Dunkirk' at one point
- Briem offered 'two free chickens' for every twenty transported
- The pair discussed migrants located in Romania and Hungary requiring collection
- Flight details for migrants arriving in Romania via Qatar were shared between them
The court heard how Briem continued to insist he believed the money he collected was related to cigarette sales, a claim thoroughly rejected by both prosecutors and the presiding judge.
Court Findings and Impending Sentence
Judge Andrew Lockhart KC delivered a damning assessment of Briem's activities, stating he had rejected the defendant's version of events entirely. The judge found Briem to be at the 'heart' of the enterprise, working as a facilitator moving migrants across the continent and employing others to assist in the operation.
'He has not told one iota of the truth here today,' Judge Lockhart stated, adding that Briem should expect 'a sentence of some considerable length' that would likely result in deportation following his prison term. The judge emphasised the seriousness of the offences, noting that people's lives were put at risk on a daily basis through the dangerous smuggling methods employed.
Briem, who had no previous convictions, was described by the judge as a 'serious organised criminal' who had made large amounts of money from dangerous immigration offences. He has been remanded in custody and will return to court for sentencing on March 26, where he is expected to receive a prison sentence measured in years according to judicial comments.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges authorities face in combating sophisticated people smuggling operations that exploit vulnerable migrants while generating substantial profits for organised crime groups operating within UK communities.
