Barzan Majeed, known as ‘Scorpion’, and tagged as Europe’s most sought-after people-smuggler, was located in Iraq following a BBC investigation. Majeed, originally from Iraq, arrived in the UK in 2006 and later resided in Nottinghamshire. Despite being deported back to Iraq in 2015, Majeed has been implicated in orchestrating the smuggling of 10,000 migrants to the UK across the English Channel. He was convicted in Belgium in absentia for multiple smuggling events but denies leading the criminal network he was associated with. Although claiming to have ceased smuggling operations, indications suggest he might still be involved.

In a separate development, UK government plans to start deportation flights to Rwanda could be initiated as early as June, pending the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings. This move, challenged by Labour leader Keir Starmer and the civil service union FDA, aims to address the issue of illegal migration but faces criticism over potential breaches of international law and effectiveness. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supports the initiative, while Starmer advocates for enhancing border security measures instead. The exact timeline for the flights remains uncertain amid these legal and political debates.