British-Iraqi man to be extradited to France to face people trafficking charges

A British-Iraqi man accused of being the head of a criminal organisation thatsmuggled people into the UK is to be extradited to France.

Rekawt Kayani, 34, is wanted to face trafficking charges which could see him jailed for 10 years.

The charges include facilitating the entry of migrants and conspiracy to commit the same.

He was apprehended on a European arrest warrant at his home in the Normanton area of Derby in May.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser told the hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court she rejected three issues raised by his defence.

In her judgement she said: "In light of the serious nature of the allegations,

I have taken the view that extradition would not be disproportionate."