Investigating the Smuggler Linked to a Tragic Migrant Journey Across the Atlantic
In January, a tragic incident unfolded when a migrant boat was rescued off the north African coast after enduring 14 harrowing days at sea. Approximately 50 individuals lost their lives during the journey, many of whom were deceived by people smugglers who promised safe and legal passage to Europe. BBC Verify has conducted an investigation into one of the traffickers involved, uncovering his activities across three continents and shedding light on the grim realities faced by migrants seeking a better life.
Fadi Gujjar: The Smuggler’s Profile
Fadi Gujjar, originally from Jaurah in Pakistan’s Punjab region, is a key figure in the smuggling network. In his 30s, he is also known by the name Khawar Hassan and sometimes referred to as Bishi Gujjar. Unlike many smugglers who openly advertise their services online, Gujjar maintains a low profile. His social media presence consists mainly of carefully edited videos showcasing his travels, with most of his clients being locals from Jaurah. Word of mouth appears to be the primary method through which his services are known.
Currently, Gujjar’s Facebook location is set to Istanbul, Turkey, a hotspot for smugglers. His TikTok videos indicate he has been in Istanbul since July 2022, where he has been seen near notable landmarks. However, Mauritania stands out as a crucial hub for his operations, serving as the departure point for many migrant journeys. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has reported that Mauritania has increasingly become a center for people smuggling, particularly following crackdowns on other routes. The perilous journey from Mauritania to Europe has proven deadly, with 170 individuals, including 14 children, reported dead or missing this year alone.
Exploiting Desperation
Many individuals from Pakistan are driven by the desire for economic opportunities in Europe, often influenced by the glorified narratives shared by migrants already residing there. Smugglers like Gujjar exploit this desperation, charging exorbitant fees for their services. Survivors of Gujjar’s operations reported paying an average of $13,000 (£10,000) for their journeys. Due to the lack of direct flights from Pakistan to Mauritania, many migrants transit through countries like Ethiopia or the Middle East before reaching Senegal and then crossing into Mauritania.
Gujjar’s travel history, obtained by BBC Verify, reveals that he followed a similar route, entering Dakar airport in Senegal multiple times in 2024. Videos also place him in Mauritania’s capital, Nouakchott, where he was seen enjoying a lifestyle that many migrants could only dream of. The close-knit relationship between Gujjar and his clients is evident, as they hail from the same village, further complicating the dynamics of trust and betrayal in these dangerous journeys.
Broken Promises and Dangerous Journeys
Survivors have recounted how Gujjar made false promises of safe and legal routes to Europe. One survivor, Uzair Bhat, shared that he transferred funds to a bank account under Gujjar’s real name, only to find that the smuggler had changed the terms of their agreement upon arrival in Mauritania. Gujjar insisted that air travel was no longer an option and instead offered a perilous boat journey. Despite his initial reservations, Uzair ultimately complied.
Upon reaching Nouakchott, migrants were often placed in “safe houses,” a euphemism for clandestine locations where smugglers hold migrants illegally. BBC Verify confirmed the existence of such a safe house near the port of Nouakchott, where survivors reported Gujjar’s occasional visits. The conditions in these safe houses are dire, with migrants often subjected to exploitation and abuse.
The Fatal Voyage
On January 2, survivors recounted setting off from Nouakchott in a small fishing boat, expecting a three-day journey. However, the trip turned into a nightmarish two-week ordeal at sea. Survivors described the harrowing experience of constantly bailing water from the boat and resorting to drinking seawater as supplies dwindled. The crew, comprised of West Africans hired by the smugglers, subjected the migrants to physical abuse and denied them food and water.
Tragically, Sufian Ali and Atif Shahzad, two of Gujjar’s clients, were beaten to death by the crew during the journey. Others succumbed to starvation, dehydration, and hypothermia. The situation reached a critical point when a larger fishing vessel spotted the migrants’ boat. Uzair Bhat bravely swam towards it for help, leading to their eventual rescue. The coastguard later discovered 15 deceased bodies onboard, while 35 individuals remain missing and are presumed dead.
Pakistani authorities have identified Gujjar as one of the ten smugglers involved in this tragedy. Although some have been apprehended, Gujjar remains at large. Recent reports indicate that he may still be facilitating journeys to Europe, despite the January disaster. His family members in Pakistan have faced legal repercussions, accused of collecting money on his behalf from prospective migrants. The investigation continues as authorities seek to hold those responsible accountable for the lives lost in this tragic incident.
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