The tragic journey of migrants from Pakistan to Europe took a deadly turn as BBC Verify uncovers the operations of smuggler Fadi Gujjar, whose promise of safe passage led to a tragic boat disaster. This report delves into the smuggling route from Mauritania to the Canary Islands, revealing personal accounts of survival and the grim realities faced aboard.
Smuggler Linked to Fatal Migrant Crossing: A Deep Dive into His Operations
Smuggler Linked to Fatal Migrant Crossing: A Deep Dive into His Operations
Investigative report traces activities of Fadi Gujjar, a known smuggler behind a deadly Atlantic migrant crossing that left over 50 dead, revealing harrowing stories of survivors.
In January, a migrant boat lost at sea for 14 days off the north African coast left 50 dead, with many victims having been deceived by smugglers promising safe passage to Europe. BBC Verify has traced Fadi Gujjar, a trafficker involved in this tragedy, documenting his actions across three continents.
A TikTok video depicting Gujjar alongside two friends in Mauritania underscores his connections to Pakistan, specifically to cousins Sufian Ali and Atif Shahzad. Tragically, within a month of the video's posting, both were killed during the perilous boat journey facilitated by Gujjar. After the incident, Gujjar went into hiding, pursued by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). He defended himself in voice notes, claiming his name was "misused" in connection with the disaster and that he was leaving the rest to fate.
Gujjar, whose real name is Khawar Hassan, hails from Jaurah in Pakistan's Punjab region and is known for his carefully curated online presence. Unlike many smugglers who openly flaunt their services, his activities are less visible, relying on word-of-mouth referrals within his local community. Current indications suggest he is operating from Istanbul, Turkey, a known hub for human trafficking, where he has shared videos of his time spent in the city.
Since early 2023, Mauritania has transformed into a focal point for people smuggling, especially as other routes were cracked down upon. The journey migrants undertake from Mauritania to the Canary Islands is fraught with danger; in just one year, IOM reports that 170 migrants have died or gone missing along this path. With many Pakistanis motivated by tales of success from others who have made the journey, smugglers like Gujjar exploit their hopes, asking for exorbitant fees—averaging $13,000 per person.
Given the geographic limitations, migrants typically journey to Mauritania by transiting through Ethiopia or the Middle East before moving to Senegal and crossing into Mauritania. Gujjar’s travel records suggest he has traversed many of these same routes, entering Senegal multiple times while also being captured in various TikTok videos in Mauritania alongside Ali and Shahzad.
BBC Verify interviews with survivors revealed multiple false promises by Gujjar regarding the safety and legality of the crossing. Once arriving in Mauritania, migrants were confined to unsafe "safe houses," where they waited for their ill-fated boat journey to begin. As news stories emerged of unbearable conditions aboard, many recounted harrowing instances of violence and starvation inflicted upon them during their time at sea.
Those who survived the journey described a horrifying ordeal, recounting that basic necessities like food and water were deliberately withheld, and physical abuse was a daily occurrence. The tragic fate of Ali and Shahzad, who died at the hands of the crew during this journey, highlighted the grim realities of migrant crossings and the malicious role of smugglers like Gujjar.
After being rescued by a passing fishing vessel, survivors faced the tragic aftermath, with confirmed deaths and missing individuals. Pakistani authorities have implicated Gujjar among the ten smugglers linked to the catastrophe, yet he remains at large. Following the incident, both his mother and one of his brothers have faced legal scrutiny for allegedly collecting funds on his behalf.
As investigations continue, it appears that Gujjar has not ceased operations in human smuggling, with reports indicating he may still be facilitating crossings despite the tragedy that unfolded in January. The struggle for those seeking a better life through perilous journeys persists, as authorities work to dismantle such dangerous trafficking networks.
