A small boats migrant found guilty of gang-raping a vulnerable woman on a Brighton beach was already wanted for murder in Egypt, it can now be reported. Karin Al-Danasurt, a 20-year-old Egyptian national, should never have been allowed into the UK to lodge an asylum claim after crossing the Channel in 2024. He is believed to have duped immigration officials by using a false name.
Background of the Offender
Al-Danasurt fled Egypt in 2022 after being convicted of murder and facing a lengthy sentence. He spent two years as a fugitive in Europe before making his way to the UK. Prosecutors revealed that an intelligence report based on documents found in his room suggested he was sentenced in absentia after failing to surrender to Egyptian police. Foreign criminals are routinely refused entry to the UK, meaning Al-Danasurt should never have been in the country to commit the rape.
The Assault
In October 2024, Al-Danasurt, along with fellow asylum seekers Ibrahim Alshafe, 25, also from Egypt, and Abdulla Ahmadi, 26, from Iran, lured a heavily intoxicated young woman to a secluded part of Brighton beach. They subjected her to a brutal ordeal, with Al-Danasurt filming the rapes on his mobile phone. He claimed he was trying to 'help' the woman by building up evidence, but did nothing to stop the assault. The victim, in her 30s, was virtually unconscious throughout.
Political Reaction
The case has exposed the fragility of the UK's borders. Robert Jenrick, former Tory immigration minister and now Reform UK representative, said: 'These evil men should never have been in our country. I couldn't care less if they have a hard time back in Egypt, they should be deported so they never step foot in this country again.' Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp added: 'Tens of thousands of illegal immigrants are flooding into the UK each year by small boat and we have no idea who they are or what their history is. The only way to stop this is the Conservative plan to leave the ECHR and deport all illegal immigrants within a week of arrival.'
Legal Proceedings
Al-Danasurt's murder conviction was withdrawn from the trial after his defence contested it, claiming it was his brother who had the conviction. The trio were convicted after a five-week trial at Hove Crown Court. Al-Danasurt was found guilty of four counts of rape, while Ahmadi and Alshafe were each convicted of two counts of rape. They will be sentenced on July 15. Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris said: 'Once sentencing has taken place, we will move to deport them off British soil.'
Victim's Bravery
Sussex Police Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh praised the victim for her courage in coming forward. Holly Morton, deputy chief crown prosecutor, said: 'This was an utterly appalling and violent attack on a woman unable to consent to any sexual activity. Thanks to the bravery of the victim, we have been able to bring these dangerous men to justice.'
Similar Cases
This is not the first time an asylum seeker with a criminal past has used fake details to enter the UK. Afghan national Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai was jailed for life for murder, and Palestinian Abdulkarim Al-Gassas was deported after being found to have extremist ties. The case highlights ongoing concerns about border security and the need for stricter controls.
