A people smuggler who referred to migrants as "chickens" has been jailed for just over 10 years for his role in arranging illegal crossings to the UK.
Ramal Briem worked with other gang members to transport people, including six who were brought to Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire in the back of a lorry in March 2024.
The 33-year-old Iraqi national came to the UK illegally by small boat in 2020, after which he claimed asylum. He got involved in the people smuggling network following financial struggles, the National Crime Agency said.
Briem pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration at Wolverhampton Crown Court in October 2024.
Sentencing him earlier at Worcester Crown Court, Judge Andrew Lockhart KC suggested that Briem, who had been living in Wolverhampton, was also deported after his sentencing was complete.
The judge said it was hard to imagine "a more serious example of a people trafficker".
"You were part of an organised crime group (OCG) bringing significant numbers of immigrants from across the globe," he said.
"Victims found themselves threatened, abused and placed at huge risk…you and the people you work with would prey on them."
The main evidence for the case came from seized mobile phones, with messages between Briem and another gang member known as "Kevin".
They discussed the movement of people they referred to as "chickens" waiting for illegal crossings in northern France.
Briem said in one exchange that if he received "20 chickens, two of them were free".
Prosecutor Cathlyn Orchard told the court that Briem also used a boat emoji in the messages.
This breaking news story is being updated.
Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Related internet links
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Father and son spending Christmas together after health scares - 2Fundamental Monetary Guidance for Going into Business
- 3Figure out How to Keep up with Oral Wellbeing During Pregnancy
- 4Extraordinary Miracles: The Cherished Islands for a Tropical Get-away
- 56 Web-based Course Stages for Successful Learning and Educating
- Consumer outlook on UK economy falls to two-year low
- Two separate Israeli espionage cases uncover Iran-linked activities in Jerusalem, Ashkelon
- Fireballs and a full moon. Here’s how to see two celestial events this week
- Transform the daily grind to make life more interesting – a philosopher shares 3 strategies to help you attain the good life
- Israel kidnaps PIJ terrorist in covert op. in Hamas-controlled Gaza in pursuit of Ran Gvili
- This Tiny Neon Frog Dwells in the Clouds
- Carina Nebula shines with white-blue stars | Space photo of the day for Jan. 5, 2026
- Linda Hamilton, 69, says she doesn't want to 'chase longevity'
- Hilary Duff announces new album ‘Luck… or Something,’ her first in over 10 years: ‘Excited is the largest understatement’
