A BBC investigation has identified a leading people smuggler, previously known only as Kardo Ranya, who is believed to control the majority of illegal cross-Channel journeys to the UK.

The 28-year-old Iraqi Kurd, whose real name is Kardo Muhammad Amen Jaf, had long evaded arrest by keeping his identity secret, frustrating law enforcement agencies across Europe.Using contacts in the smuggling world, BBC reporters traced his activities from migrant camps in northern France back to Iraqi Kurdistan.

Kardo Ranya operates a smuggling network with routes spanning from Afghanistan to the UK, charging around £15,000 per migrant, and often advertising a so-called VIP service on social media.The journey is illegal and perilous, with numerous fatalities reported, including a 24-year-old named Shwana from Ranya.

Authorities warn that the network, often referred to as the Ranya Boys, wields considerable influence in smuggling operations, and targeting its leaders could reduce illegal migration significantly.Brexit has complicated data-sharing for tracking criminals, but revealing Jaf's real identity may limit his ability to cross borders unnoticed.While Jaf denied involvement when confronted, one of his collaborators has received a 10-year prison sentence in France.

This investigation sheds light on the scale and human cost of cross-Channel people smuggling, highlighting the risks faced by migrants and the challenges for authorities in tackling organised smuggling networks.