Rahimpur, "one of the most significant individuals involved in small boat crossings", is thought to have charged up to £6,000 for people on the boats, making total profits that sometimes went above £200,000 per crossing. He was convicted after a trial in Belgium.
A suspected international people smuggler has denied organising boat crossings, saying he simply handled payments. Hewa Rahimpur is accused of leading a criminal gang which is alleged to have brought up to 10,000 people across the Channel.
Hewa Rahimpur was arrested on smuggling charges when outboard motors, used for migrant crossings, were found in Britain and Belgium, and the serial numbers tracked down.