The UK’s National Crime Agency has published a provisional news diary outlining a significant volume of court activity and enforcement-related communications scheduled between 9 and 22 February 2026, highlighting the breadth of serious and organised crime cases progressing through the criminal justice system.
The diary, circulated to media under embargo and subject to change, details a wide range of trials, sentencing hearings and confiscation proceedings linked to offences including people smuggling, illegal immigration, drug trafficking, firearms possession, sexual offences and large-scale fraud. The agency has cautioned that court dates may change at short notice and has advised journalists to confirm listings before attending.
The schedule begins on Monday 9 February with the trial of five men accused of conspiring to facilitate illegal immigration in connection with an alleged plot to smuggle Afghan migrants into the UK in the back of a lorry in 2019. The defendants, from Essex and west London, are due to appear at the Central Criminal Court. One of the men also faces a charge of money laundering, while a sixth defendant has already pleaded guilty and will be sentenced following the conclusion of the trial. The NCA has indicated it will issue a press release, video and images if convictions are secured.
The same day, Riyasth Hussain, 45, is scheduled to stand trial at Sheffield Crown Court in relation to three counts of rape involving two victims, with offences alleged to have taken place in the 2000s. The agency has said it will issue a press release and custody image in the event of a conviction.
Also on Monday, sentencing is due at Liverpool Crown Court for eight individuals from Merseyside who admitted running a round-the-clock drug supply operation offering discounts to increase sales. All pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs last year. The NCA plans to release a statement and custody images after sentencing, with evidential material potentially made available.
Another immigration-related case will return to court the same day, as Ramal Briem, 33, appears at Wolverhampton Crown Court for a Newton hearing. He previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and was linked to an organised crime group involved in illegal Channel crossings. The NCA has stated it will issue a press release and images once proceedings conclude.
On Thursday 12 February, Bolton Crown Court is due to sentence a Lake District armourer who admitted plotting the industrial-scale supply of crystal meth alongside prohibited weapons offences. Four additional defendants are expected to be sentenced at the same hearing, with the NCA preparing press materials including images and arrest footage.
The following day, Friday 13 February, Daniel Pickavance, 27, is due to be sentenced at St Albans Crown Court after pleading guilty to firearms and drug offences. He was arrested in October 2025 after police found a loaded handgun and a substantial amount of cash in his vehicle. The NCA will issue a press release and images after sentencing.
Also scheduled for 13 February is a Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation hearing involving Amanj Hasan Zada, previously jailed for 17 years for masterminding people-smuggling operations using small boats across the Channel. The NCA has confirmed it will issue a story, video and photographs following the hearing.
Further sentencing hearings are listed for Thursday 19 February at Luton Crown Court, where two men will be dealt with for offences under the Computer Misuse Act and Fraud Act relating to the creation of nearly 2,000 fake Covid vaccination records. The case also involves the seizure of £145,000 in cash. Press materials are expected following sentencing.
The diary includes advance notice of additional court activity later in the month, including sexual offence cases subject to strict reporting restrictions, and further people-smuggling proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court on 26 February. In several instances, the NCA has stressed that reporting restrictions may apply and has urged media organisations to check carefully with the courts before publication.
Taken together, the schedule underlines the scale and diversity of cases currently being pursued by the National Crime Agency, as well as the operational focus on immigration crime, drug supply networks and financial offending. For businesses, financial institutions and compliance professionals, the diary offers a snapshot of enforcement priorities likely to remain prominent throughout 2026.
“Friendly zombie fanatic. Analyst. Coffee buff. Professional music specialist. Communicator.”