In January, a migrant boat was rescued off the North African coast after 14 days lost at sea, resulting in approximately 50 deaths, many due to smuggler deceit about safe routes to Europe. BBC Verify tracked Fadi Gujjar, a smuggler who boasted a careful online presence while exploiting desperate migrants from Pakistan, including Sufian Ali and Atif Shahzad, who tragically died on the journey. Survivors revealed that Gujjar falsely promised safe passage, but once in Mauritania, he reneged on his assurances, leading many to dangerous routes instead.
