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BBC Identifies Iraqi Kurd Running Afghanistan-UK Boat Smuggling Ring

5/12/2026

26 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

BBC investigators identified and confronted Kardo Ranya, a 28-year-old Iraqi Kurd, in Iraqi Kurdistan, confirming his identity.
Investigators say Ranya operates smuggling routes that stretch from Afghanistan to the United Kingdom.
Dan Cannatella-Barcroft of the UK National Crime Agency said Kurds dominate the small-boat smuggling business model.
The findings are presented in the BBC Radio 4 podcast Intrigue: To Catch A King.

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Story summary

BBC investigators identified and confronted Kardo Ranya, a 28-year-old Iraqi Kurd, in Iraqi Kurdistan, confirming his identity.
Investigators say Ranya operates smuggling routes that stretch from Afghanistan to the United Kingdom.
Dan Cannatella-Barcroft of the UK National Crime Agency said Kurds dominate the small-boat smuggling business model.
The findings are presented in the BBC Radio 4 podcast Intrigue: To Catch A King.