The Oldham-based leader of a 'sophisticated and lucrative' people-smuggling ring is on the run and being hunted by detectives after he failed to attend court for a sentencing hearing.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Tarik Namik, 45, who the National Crime Agency (NCA) said 'headed up' the 'large-scale' operation bringing Kurdish migrants into the UK hidden in the back of lorries.
Namik - who ran a car wash in Stockport - was bailed to attend Manchester Crown Court on Friday, but didn't turn up and was jailed in his absence for eight years. Four others - including a man from Blackley, north Manchester - were also locked up at the hearing.
