The Iraqi Kurdish people smuggler who’s become a celebrity
Over the past summer a figure has emerged in Iraqi Kurdistan who locals say they trust more than they trust their politicians or other officials. His name is Riza Kewi and he is a people smuggler who helps those trying to immigrate to Europe as refugees; he boasts that he has helped over 8,000 people […]Over the past summer a figure has emerged in Iraqi Kurdistan who locals say they trust more than they trust their politicians or other officials. His name is Riza Kewi and he is a people smuggler who helps those trying to immigrate to Europe as refugees; he boasts that he has helped over 8,000 people get to Europe and last summer he was commonly quoted saying things like this: "There is nothing for you in Iraqi Kurdistan. Leave the country for the officials and come with me. I will make sure you reach Europe".
As a result Kewi has become something of a celebrity among the Iraqi Kurdish. There are many videos posted on social media, things like: a new message from Riza Kewi, listen to what Riza Kewi is telling the young people, watch Riza Kewi in action - and so forth and so on. The videos and messages are widely shared and have seen young Iraqis try to find Kewi the moment they get to Turkey.
