INVESTIGATION: Meet the smuggling kingpins behind the deadly Channel crossings

INVESTIGATION: Meet the smuggling kingpins behind the deadly Channel crossings

Author: The Times April 13, 2026 Duration: 27:21

The city of Ranya– a small town in Northern Iraq– is more than 2,500 miles from Calais and Dunkirk. But it has a near monopoly on the people smuggling gangs that traffic migrants across the English Channel. The Times visited Ranya to meet the kingpins and ask: how did one village become responsible for Britain’s small boats crisis?


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Guest: Shayma Bakht, reporter, The Times. 

Host: Luke Jones. 

Producer: Micaela Arneson.

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Read more: I met the smuggling kingpins behind the deadly Channel crossings

Further listening: ‘Repugnant’ or necessary? The new asylum rules

Clips: Getty Images, DRM News. 

Photo: Times Media Ltd.

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Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
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