In January a migrant boat was rescued off the north African coast after 14 harrowing days lost at sea. Some 50 people died on the voyage, many of whom were lied to by people smugglers promising safe and legal routes to Europe. BBC Verify has tracked one of the traffickers responsible - documenting his activities across three continents. Punjabi rap music plays over a video showing three men at a beachside restaurant in Mauritania's capital Nouakchott. One after the other, they smile at the camera before casually turning to talk and laugh together. The three are clearly friends. Two of them, Sufian Ali and Atif Shahzad, are cousins from rural Pakistan. But it's the third man in particular who dominates the conversation. He's Fadi Gujjar, a people smuggler. The video - posted to Gujjar's TikTok account - is one of more than 450 clips analysed by BBC Verify that reveal clues about his activities and his close relationship to the other men. Within a month of this video being posted online, Ali and Shahzad were dead - beaten to death on the boat journey sold to them by Gujjar, who promised a safe route into Europe. Meanwhile, Gujjar found himself on the run,wanted by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)for his role in the tragedy. When BBC Verify contacted him on a phone number obtained from survivors, Gujjar said repeatedly in a series of voice notes his name had been "misused" by survivors in connection with the disaster and that he was leaving it all in the hands of Allah. Fadi Gujjar is from Jaurah in Pakistan's Punjab region. In his 30s, his real name is Khawar Hassan - though he also goes by Bishi Gujjar. Pakistani smugglersthe BBC has previously reported onhave tended to boastfully advertise illegal routes to Europe online. But Gujjar is careful. His online presence is limited to highly edited videos of his travels and almost all clients BBC Verify identified are local to Jaurah. Advertisements for his services seem to spread by word of mouth. His current location on Facebook is set to Istanbul, Turkey - an oasis for smugglers looking to make a quick buck. Videos posted to TikTok place him in the city since July 2022, showing the smuggler outside the iconic Hagia Sophia and a Pakistani supermarket. One other location stands out: Mauritania on West Africa's Atlantic coast - the nerve-centre of his operation and the place from which the migrant boat started its perilous journey. Since 2023, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says Mauritania has become a hub for people smuggling - spurred on by a crackdown on other routes. The route is deadly. IOM data shows that 170 people - including 14 children - have died or gone missing on it this year. Many Pakistanis seeking economic opportunities in Europe are willing to take the risk. Life there is glorified online by migrants already living on the continent. Smugglers like Gujjar, whose lucrative business is fuelled by people's aspirations, take advantage of this. These migrants are taking a gamble, using their families' savings or selling up to make the journey. The survivors we spoke to, on average, say they paid Gujjar $13,000 (£10,000). There are no direct flights from Pakistan to Mauritania, so some of the migrants transited through Ethiopia or the Middle East. From there, almost all of them went on to Senegal, before crossing into Mauritania, either by road or a short boat journey along the Senegal River. Gujjar's travel history - obtained by BBC Verify through a source - showed the smuggler followed a similar route, entering Dakar airport in Senegal on two occasions in 2024. Multiple videos also place him in the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott from October 2024 - though the date of upload could differ to when they were filmed. Further clips, posted to TikTok by Ali and Shahzad place Gujjar in Mauritania as early as August 2024. The trio are seen on the rooftops of Nouakchott's sand-coloured buildings and in restaurants around the city - a luxury other migrants couldn't afford. Videos from their accounts reveal the men were close, hailing from the same village. Their uncle, Ahsan Shahzad Chaudhry, confirmed to BBC Verify that his nephew Sufian Ali was friends with Gujjar. One survivor named Uzair Bhat said Gujjar falsely promised him safe and legal routes to Europe. He sent BBC Verify proof of funds transferred to a bank account under Gujjar's real name, Khawar Hassan. But when Uzair arrived in Mauritania, the smuggler backtracked. "He said going by air will not work from here. I'll send you by a big ship," Uzair recalled. "Please cooperate, your visa [to Europe] won't come through." Eventually Uzair relented. As well as Ali, Shahzad and Uzair, BBC Verify identified two other migrants who bought journeys from Gujjar. Once they arrived in Nouakchott they say they were placed in "safe houses" - a term used for buildings tucked away in obscure alleys where migrants are held illegally by smugglers. One person who used a different agent said he also stayed in safe houses run by Gujjar. BBC Verify confirmed the location of one to an area near the port of Nouakchott, which survivors say Gujjar occasionally visited. Survivors BBC Verify spoke to say they set off from Nouakchott in a small fishing boat in the early hours on 2 January. Most of those onboard bought passage from smugglers in their hometowns in Pakistan. But the three day trip turned into a deadly two-week journey adrift at sea. Uzair said that from the day they left port the migrants "were constantly scooping water out of the boat". Another man, Bilalwal Iqbal, recalled that passengers soon began "drinking sea water and after drinking it, people became delirious". According to the survivors, the crew onboard - West Africans employed by the smugglers - starved the Pakistani migrants of food and water, and beat them daily. "I tried to take one of their bottles of water so they hit me on the head with a rope and the impact just made me fall back," Iqbal told BBC Verify. "Then they pummelled my thumbs with a hammer. I still have those wounds." Sufian Ali and Atif Shahzad died after being beaten to death by the crew, their uncle said. He was informed of the circumstances surrounding their deaths by survivors. Others died of starvation, dehydration and hypothermia. Those still alive, including the crew, had given up until they saw a much larger fishing vessel come into view. Uzair Bhat jumped into the ocean and swam towards it for help. The coastguard instructed the vessel to take the migrant boat to Dakhla port - 60 miles away. According to the IOM, 15 dead bodies were found onboard while 35 people remain missing at sea and presumed dead. Pakistani authorities have named Gujjar as one of ten smugglers involved in the tragedy. Some have been arrested, but not Gujjar. BBC Verify geolocated his most recent TikTok posts to Baku, Azerbaijan - though we cannot say for certain if he is still there. Since news of the rescue broke, his mother and one of his brothers have been detained in Pakistan, accused of collecting money on Gujjar's behalf from people buying routes to Europe. BBC Verify has also seen six police reports filed in Punjab by the families of those on the boat journey. They allege Gujjar collected $75,000 (£56,000) for his role in the January disaster. Three people paid in full, while the remaining three had only paid deposits, the police reports said. We believe Gujjar was still facilitating journeys to Europe after the boat disaster in January. Contacted by an undercover BBC reporter in March using a phone number obtained from survivors, Gujjar said he "knew someone" who would help arrange a journey, but did not directly offer to get involved himself. Additional reporting by Dilay Yaçin, Javed Sumroo and Joshua Cheetham. What do you want BBC Verify to investigate?
Tracking a smuggler behind deadly Atlantic migrant crossing
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Investigation Reveals Activities of People Smuggler Linked to Deadly Migrant Crossing"
Bbc News
7.2
TruthLens AI Summary
In January, a tragic incident involving a migrant boat off the north African coast resulted in the deaths of approximately 50 individuals, many of whom were misled by people smugglers promising safe passage to Europe. BBC Verify has conducted an investigation into one such trafficker, Fadi Gujjar, also known as Khawar Hassan, uncovering the extent of his operations that span across three continents. The investigation revealed that Gujjar, who has a limited online presence, primarily utilizes word of mouth to advertise his services. Notably, he was implicated in the January disaster where survivors recounted harrowing experiences of starvation, dehydration, and violence at the hands of the crew, who were West Africans hired by Gujjar. The survivors reported that Gujjar had promised them safe and legal routes to Europe, only to leave them stranded in perilous conditions during the journey. The tragic outcome of this voyage has highlighted the grave risks associated with people smuggling and the desperation faced by many migrants seeking a better life in Europe.
Gujjar's operations are reportedly centered around Mauritania, which has recently emerged as a key hub for people smuggling due to increased crackdowns on other routes. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has noted a significant rise in fatalities along this route, with 170 migrants, including children, reported dead or missing in 2023 alone. Survivors have shared that they paid substantial amounts, averaging around $13,000, to Gujjar for their journeys. Despite the tragedy, it seems that Gujjar continued his smuggling activities, as he was still facilitating journeys even after the January disaster. Following the incident, Gujjar became a fugitive, evading capture while his family faced legal repercussions for allegedly assisting him. The investigation by BBC Verify has shed light on the personal stories of the victims and the broader issue of human trafficking, calling attention to the need for stronger measures to combat this dangerous trade and protect vulnerable migrants from exploitation.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article sheds light on the grim realities of human trafficking, focusing on a specific smuggler involved in a tragic migrant crossing in the Atlantic. It highlights the harrowing experiences of migrants, the deceptive promises made by traffickers, and the consequences of these illegal activities. The narrative is crafted to evoke empathy and raise awareness about the dangers associated with illegal migration.
Intent Behind the Reporting
This news aims to expose the dark underbelly of human smuggling and the personal stories of those affected. By focusing on the trafficker’s activities and the tragic outcomes of his promises, the article seeks to raise awareness about the risks migrants face and the moral implications of smuggling. This intention is evident in the detailed accounts and the emotional weight given to the victims' stories.
Community Perception
The reporting may elicit a sense of outrage and empathy from the audience towards the migrants and a disdain for the traffickers. It aims to create a perception of urgency regarding the need for stricter regulations and protective measures for migrants. The portrayal of the smuggler’s nonchalant demeanor in the video contrasts sharply with the suffering endured by the victims, further amplifying this sentiment.
Concealed Aspects
While the article focuses on the trafficker, it may unintentionally divert attention from broader systemic issues, such as the political and economic factors driving migration. There is a possibility that underlying causes such as war, poverty, and immigration policy are not sufficiently addressed, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the migration crisis.
Manipulative Elements
The article uses emotional language and vivid imagery to engage readers, which could be seen as manipulative. By showcasing the victims’ plight and the smugglers’ disregard for human life, the narrative amplifies the horror of the situation. This tactic could provoke public outcry and push for action against human trafficking, but it also risks oversimplifying complex issues.
Truthfulness of the Content
The factual basis of the article appears strong, given the detailed accounts and the investigative efforts of BBC Verify. However, the emotional framing might influence how the information is perceived, potentially leading to a skewed understanding of the broader context.
Public Sentiment
The article likely resonates more with communities concerned about human rights and social justice. It appeals to those advocating for migrant rights and against human trafficking, thus fostering solidarity among these groups.
Economic and Political Impact
The reporting could have implications for policies related to immigration and border control. Increased awareness might lead to public pressure on governments to address human trafficking more decisively. This, in turn, could impact economic conditions in regions heavily affected by migration.
Global Power Dynamics
In terms of global power, the article touches on issues relevant to international relations, particularly regarding migration policies and human rights. It aligns with current discussions about the responsibilities of nations in addressing the migrant crisis.
Use of AI in the Article
It is possible that AI tools were utilized in the research and analysis processes, particularly in tracking the smuggler's digital footprint. AI models could have been employed to sift through large volumes of data to identify patterns in smuggling activities. However, the narrative structure and emotional engagement suggest a human touch in the writing process.
Manipulation Considerations
The news may exhibit manipulative elements, primarily through its emotional appeals and the framing of the smuggler as a villain. This approach serves to highlight the urgency of the issue but may oversimplify the complexities involved.
This analysis indicates that while the article is grounded in factual reporting, its emotional framing and focus on individual narratives may lead to oversimplification of broader systemic issues. The intention appears to be advocacy for awareness and action against human trafficking.