By James Simons-
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has secured an eight-year prison sentence for Asghar Gheshlaghian, a 48-year-old Iranian man convicted of running an unregistered money services business linked to people smuggling networks.
Gheshlaghian (pictured)operated as a trusted middleman within a network of bankers using the hawala system to transfer money. His role involved accepting payments from migrants or their families and subsequently releasing funds to criminal gangs upon the completion of their journeys to the UK.
Operating under the cover of a rug company, Gheshlaghian was arrested in February 2021 by NCA officers based on substantial evidence gathered during a two-year investigation.
Phone evidence revealed connections with at least eight Iranian migrants who later arrived in the UK by boat or lorry, seeking asylum. Covert recordings captured Gheshlaghian admitting that a significant portion of his business was illegal and boasting about the trust placed in him by people smuggling gangs to handle financial transactions.
The NCA’s search of Gheshlaghian’s premises led to the confiscation of around £50,000 in cash, along with ledgers outlining transactions. Financial investigators were able to trace approximately £1.6 million in payments into his bank accounts.
Evidence from a ITV documentary further implicated Gheshlaghian as an undercover report revealed discussions with a people smuggler in France, referring to a broker named “Mr G” – identified as Gheshlaghian.
Following a two-week trial at Southwark Crown Court, Gheshlaghian was found guilty of five counts of money laundering and facilitating illegal immigration. The court handed down an eight-year jail term on Wednesday, January 24.
NCA Branch Commander Mark Howes emphasized the importance of disrupting and dismantling organized immigration crime, particularly those involved in dangerous Channel boat and lorry crossings. He stated, “By his own admission Asghar Gheshalghian was trusted by organized crime gangs to handle their payments and launder the money they made through organizing dangerous Channel boat and lorry crossings.”
The investigation received support from HM Revenue & Customs and the Crown Prosecution Service. Michael Oatley, Unit Head for the CPS, highlighted Gheshlaghian’s role in facilitating illegal immigration for financial gain, undermining UK border security, and exploiting vulnerable migrants. The successful prosecution represents a significant step in targeting the financial flows connected to people smuggling networks.