Antwerp court convicts 22 Afghan nationals in violent human smuggling and abuse case
The Antwerp criminal court sentenced 22 Afghan nationals on Wednesday for their roles in a violent human smuggling network that transported at least 113 compatriots to Western Europe. The group’s crimes included the sexual abuse of teenage boys, with recordings used for blackmail. Prison terms ranged up to 18 years, with fines as high as 2.7 million euros. One defendant was acquitted.
An international operation
The investigation, launched in October 2021, uncovered a transnational criminal organisation that trafficked Afghans to France, Belgium and the UK via smuggling routes through Turkey and Serbia. Victims seeking refuge paid between 5,000 and 11,000 euros for their journey. Investigators identified 113 victims, though authorities believe there are many more.
The network operated through two factions: 2060 Government of Nigharhar, based in Antwerp, and Dam Gham Lamba, active in Turkey and France. Members used TikTok to communicate and showcase their activities, often uploading videos of themselves wearing skeleton masks or gesturing threateningly.
Harrowing accounts of abuse
The organisation was notorious for its extreme violence. Victims described being taken hostage, beaten, stabbed and threatened with firearms. Teenage boys were sexually abused both during transit and after reaching their destinations. The abuse was recorded and used to extort victims, ensuring compliance and demanding further sexual favours.
One 16-year-old victim bravely came forward, recounting how he was raped “ten to fifteen times” by defendant Izatullah I. (29) in a Brussels hotel. “I had to obey,” he said, “or the videos would be sent to my family in Afghanistan.” Those who attempted to resist or report the crimes faced harassment, threats, and even physical attacks.
The leaders of the two factions were identified as Nazar D. (31) and Saifur A. for Dam Gham Lamba in France and Turkey, and Sardaar S. for 2060 Government of Nigharhar in Antwerp. The group’s methods, coupled with their online bravado, set them apart as particularly ruthless operators.
Sentencing
The court condemned the organisation’s actions in the strongest terms. “The desperation of refugees was exploited to make criminal profits,” the verdict stated. “Their hope for a better life was brutally shattered, leaving victims with lifelong trauma.”
Nazar D. and Izatullah I., both of whom denied the charges, were sentenced to 18 years in prison. Saifur A. and Sardaar S. received sentences of 10 and 9 years, respectively. Fines were calculated at 24,000 euros per victim, leading to a staggering 2.7 million euros penalty for Nazar D., linked to all 113 identified victims.
The court ordered the immediate arrest of ten defendants who failed to appear for sentencing.
The Federal Migration Centre, Child Focus, Payoke and Pag-Asa filed civil proceedings and were awarded one euro, one euro, 2,500 euros and 2,500 euros in damages, respectively. Three victims were awarded a total of 17,500 euros in damages.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO TAMARA VAN HASSELT
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