Iraqi people smuggler who referred to migrants as ‘chickens’ jailed
He's been sentenced to over ten years in prison
Last updated 26th Mar 2026
A people smuggler living in Wolverhampton who referred to migrants as 'chickens' has been jailed for over ten years.
33-year-old Iraqi national Ramal Briem was part of an international people smuggling network involved in illegal migrant crossings to the UK.
He himself had come to the UK illegally by small boat in late 2020.
He was arrested at his home address in Wolverhampton in July 2024.
Messages on Briem's phone revealed conversations with a fellow gang member, 'Kevin,'.
Migrants were referred to as 'chickens' awaiting illegal transport from northern France.
They read:
‘Kevin’: If possible, 1 chicken costs 1,500 pounds. I'll give it all to you
Briem: Yes 1500. Give it to me
‘Kevin’: Ok I'll give you the chicken. Currently I have over 30 chickens in Dunkerque. I need them to finish this time. And next time I have a new chicken I will give it to you.
Briem: Ok. Next time I need all your chicken.
Briem is understood to have helped hundreds of migrants make journeys to the UK from France.
On one occasion, he helped arrange the movement of six migrants to Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, in March 2024.
Staffordshire Police intercepted the van and arrested one person. The remainder fled.
NCA officers found evidence of Briem collecting cash linked to his smuggling activities, despite his claims it was related to cigarettes.
Briem pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and has been sentenced to 10 years and two months in prison.
"Complete disregard for human life"
NCA branch commander Saju Sasikumar said: “The language Ramal Briem used to describe people illustrates his complete disregard for human life.
“To him, migrants were nothing more than a commodity to trade in, regardless of the severe risks they were taking during these dangerous journeys, all for his own financial benefit.
“The migrants themselves may have wanted to come to the UK to establish a better life for themselves and their families. But the fact they chose to use smugglers like Briem to enter the UK clandestinely automatically put them at a far greater risk of being embroiled in debt bondage or modern slavery situations.
Hilary Ryan, Specialist Prosecutor, from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Ramal Briem was part of an international crime group working across Europe to illegally bring migrants into the UK. He offered to arrange spaces on small boats for other organised crime groups.
“My colleagues and I are working around the clock with law enforcement to prosecute those who break our immigration laws and harm community relations to make money for themselves.”