A husband and wife, two brothers, and several others from a large people smuggling gang were apprehended following the arrest of one of its key members at Manchester Airport.

The investigation, conducted by the Home Office over two years, targeted eight members of the UK-based gang, some of whom resided in Manchester. The operation was sparked by the discovery of a woman hidden in a modified car's glove box in June 2022.

The case began when Jozef Kadet, from Manchester, was stopped at the UK border after traveling via Eurotunnel from France, leading to the discovery of a Vietnamese woman concealed behind the dashboard of his vehicle.

Kadet pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison in January 2024.

In July 2022, another gang member, Emily Etherington, was stopped by Border Force officers for concealing a woman in her vehicle’s dashboard.

Etherington's arrest led investigators to her husband, Redar Curtis, who was also implicated. Etherington pled guilty in October 2024, while Curtis stood trial.

Following these leads, the Home Office launched a broader investigation revealing a 'sophisticated network' engaged in smuggling and document forgery, as stated in Minshull Street Crown Court.

The investigation involved raids on seven properties across the UK, leading to the seizure of counterfeit documents, over 20,000 illicit cigarettes, and £6,000 in cash.

A major breakthrough occurred on November 19, 2023, when Mukhlis Jamal Hamadamin, the primary suspect, was arrested at Manchester Airport after a parcel from Greece was intercepted. This parcel contained a false driving license addressed to a Bolton property with Hamadamin’s UK mobile number.

Upon examining Hamadamin’s phone, investigators found hundreds of images of passports and boarding passes, as well as messages regarding the creation and distribution of false documents, including recordings from a forgery factory in Greece.

The court learned that the gang operated between 2022 and 2024, unlawfully facilitating immigration into the UK and engaging in fraud and the production of counterfeit identity documents.

Methods employed by the gang included smuggling migrants across the Channel and hiding them in perilous spaces within modified vehicles, according to court testimony.

The gang was also implicated in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit identity documents, facilitating non-EU nationals' air travel into the UK from Europe.

After a ten-week trial, brothers Mukhlis Jamal Hamadamin and Muhamad Jamal Hamadamin, along with Yassen Jalal Mohammed, Jozef Kadet, Dlawar Omar, Khales Jabar, and spouses Redar Curtis and Emily Etherington, are now facing prison sentences. Their sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 29.

Dame Angela Eagle, the Minister for Border Security and Asylum, remarked: "This case displays the ruthless tactics of criminal gangs smuggling individuals through Europe into the UK, showing a blatant disregard for human life as they exploit vulnerable individuals for profit."

She added, "Our investigators have worked tirelessly to dismantle this gang’s operations, significantly cutting their profits. This government’s Plan for Change aims to protect our borders and disrupt these networks."

Chief Immigration Officer Paul Moran emphasized the comprehensive nature of the investigation, stating, "Today’s convictions highlight our commitment to stopping dangerous criminal networks and protecting our borders. If anyone has information on immigration crime, please report it anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111."

If you have any information about immigration crime, you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.