Fugitive Gun-Runner Rafal Habiak on the Run After Jail Escape
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is hunting Rafal Wojciech Habiak, a Polish gun smuggler who vanished after being convicted without showing up to court. The 40-year-old was found guilty in absentia at Canterbury Crown Court last August, sparking a nationwide manhunt.
Gun and Ammo Found Hidden in Car at Dover
Back in 2018, Border Force officers at Dover stopped a Mercedes carrying a handgun and ammunition cleverly stashed under the floor. A rucksack packed with ten cartridges of CS gas was also recovered. Habiak, then living in Grimsby, was arrested immediately. He later pleaded guilty to importing firearms and was handed a five-year prison sentence.
More Illegal Weapons Found During Jail Time
While behind bars, investigators uncovered fresh evidence from Habiak’s phone revealing more hidden weapons in the seized car — including an Ekol pistol loaded with five live rounds, a flare pistol, and extra ammo.
Flies the Coop After Release, Now Faces Extra Jail Time
Habiak was freed in January 2021 and moved to Cleethorpes. But trouble followed fast. He was charged again with conspiring to bring in firearms alongside Marcin Matwijow, 44, from Liverpool. Matwijow admitted guilt and got nearly eight years in prison. Habiak skipped his trial, prompting a swift guilty verdict in his absence. On 3 October, he was sentenced to 18 more months behind bars plus his previous term — but he remains on the loose.
NCA Pleads for Help to Nab Habiak
NCA Branch Commander Adam Berry said: “Rafal Habiak lived in Grimsby and Cleethorpes and has links in Liverpool. We believe someone knows where he’s hiding. Anyone helping him should know they might be breaking the law.”
Berry added, “Gun smuggling is a serious crime. We’re determined to make sure Habiak serves every day of his sentence.”
If you have any information, call the NCA on 0370 496 7622 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or online.
