Two men operating a car wash franchise in Caerphilly, Wales, have been convicted for their involvement in a large-scale people smuggling operation after a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation. The pair, Dilshad Shamo, 41, and Ali Khdir, 40, used their business as a front to facilitate the movement of thousands of migrants across Europe.
Sophisticated Smuggling Network
The men were part of an organized crime group (OCG) that transported migrants from Iraq, Iran, and Syria through various European countries, including Turkey, Belarus, and Moldova, before reaching nations such as Germany, France, and Italy. Many of the migrants are suspected of eventually arriving in the UK.
The operation offered three tiers of smuggling services:
- Basic Service: Travel on foot or via HGVs or small vehicles.
- Mid-Level Service: Travel by cargo ships or yachts.
- Premium Service: Air travel with forged documentation.
Financial Arrangements
The operation used a Hawala banking system, with funds deposited in Iraq and Istanbul to facilitate payments. Once payments were confirmed, migrants were given approval to proceed along specific routes.
Shamo and Khdir also advertised their services through WhatsApp and social media, sharing testimonials and videos from migrants to promote their routes. One video featured a family praising the “visa” process, while another showed a man travelling in an HGV with women and children, describing the journey as “easy and good.
Arrests and Evidence
The NCA, supported by Gwent Police, arrested Shamo and Khdir in April 2023. When taken into custody, Khdir was overheard instructing Shamo to tell authorities they were involved in car sales and money transfers. Both men answered “no comment” during interviews.
A search of their operations revealed extensive evidence, including communications with smugglers across Europe and detailed plans for migrant transportation. They were charged with facilitating illegal migration in February 2024.
After a ten-day trial at Cardiff Crown Court, both men pleaded guilty on November 22, 2024. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday.
Authorities Respond
NCA Branch Commander Derek Evans said:
“Shamo and Khdir were key players in a network that profited from smuggling vulnerable migrants across borders. Their operation endangered lives and undermined border security. This conviction highlights our determination to bring such criminals to justice.”
Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, commented:
“These individuals exploited vulnerable people for profit, putting countless lives at risk. Our new Border Security Command will continue to dismantle such networks and hold perpetrators accountable.”
Detective Sergeant Simon Thomas of Gwent Police added:
“This case demonstrates the importance of collaboration between agencies to protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice. We remain committed to tackling modern slavery and human trafficking in our communities.”
Conclusion
This case underscores the NCA’s commitment to combating organized immigration crime and safeguarding vulnerable individuals exploited by such networks. Shamo and Khdir now face justice for their roles in this dangerous and exploitative operation.
