Unmasking the Deadly People Smuggler: A Journey of Deception and Tragedy

BBC Verify exposes Fadi Gujjar, a Pakistani people smuggler, whose fraudulent promises led to a devastating maritime tragedy, revealing the grim realities of migrant journeys from Africa to Europe.

In a chilling tale of deception, BBC Verify has unearthed the disturbing activities of Fadi Gujjar, a notorious people smuggler from Pakistan, whose fraudulent promises led to the deaths of numerous migrants on a treacherous voyage to Europe. The investigation focuses on the tragic incident in January, where a boat carrying desperate individuals was found adrift off the north African coast, resulting in the deaths of around 50 people.

Gujjar, identified as Khawar Hassan, is linked to several migrants who paid exorbitant fees for what they believed to be safe passage to Europe. Despite his calculated attempts to conceal his operations, social media activities, particularly on TikTok, provided vital clues to his illicit dealings. Videos showed him socializing with others, including victims who later perished during the journey sold to them under false pretenses.

Operating from various locations, including Turkey and Mauritania, Gujjar has strategically positioned himself amid growing smuggling activities exacerbated by increased crackdowns on other routes. Survivors of his operation recounted harrowing experiences, highlighting that promises of safety quickly devolved into terror as they were subjected to beatings and starvation by crew members.

In the face of rising scrutiny, Fadi Gujjar has eluded capture while authorities in Pakistan have begun to detain his relatives for their involvement in his smuggling operations. Police reports have accused him of collecting substantial sums from families, further emphasizing the scale of his operations. As the investigation continues, it adds a necessary voice to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the migrant crisis and the ruthless exploitation of human desperation for profit.