An international criminal mastermind involved in human trafficking has been sentenced to 11 years in prison in Belgium for his role in selling rubber dinghies to migrant gangs. Adem Savas, aged 45, was convicted of people smuggling and being part of an organized crime group. His arrest took place as he was heading to a boat exhibition in Amsterdam, following a thorough investigation by authorities from the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Savas is estimated to have amassed substantial wealth by supplying equipment crucial for approximately half of the Channel crossings in 2023, many of which resulted in tragic fatalities. His extensive connections with numerous crossing operations positioned him as a prominent figure in the European people smuggling network, making him a top target on the National Crime Agency’s wanted list.
According to the NCA Director General of Operations, Rob Jones, Savas was a central supplier of boats and engines to criminal groups orchestrating perilous Channel crossings. Despite posing as a legitimate maritime supply business owner, Savas was fully aware of the nefarious use of the equipment he provided, profiting from each fatal incident that occurred as a result of his actions.
Collaborating with multiple law enforcement agencies, including Belgian, British, and Dutch authorities, led to the successful apprehension of Savas, signaling a significant victory against criminal activities endangering society. The Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, commended the joint efforts to dismantle this smuggling operation and bring Savas to justice.
Admitting to his crimes in December, Savas was sentenced to 11 years in prison and fined 400,000 euros by a court in Bruges. His involvement in the smuggling network was initially exposed during an investigation into Kurdish crime boss Hewa Rahimpur, who was also convicted for similar offenses. Analysis of seized devices revealed Savas as a key supplier of boats and engines to Rahimpur’s operation, with a strategic distribution network spanning from Turkey to the UK.
Operating from 2019 until his arrest in 2024, Savas facilitated thousands of small boat crossings to the UK, charging substantial fees for his services and accumulating significant profits. Detailed exchanges between Savas and Rahimpur further incriminated Savas, showcasing his direct involvement in supplying equipment for illegal crossings.
The coordinated effort to apprehend Savas, involving Europol and Eurojust, underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational criminal activities. This successful operation serves as a significant blow to the illicit smuggling networks exploiting vulnerable migrants for profit.