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Two people smugglers, who trafficked hundreds of illegal migrants across Europe by hiding them in boats, lorries and cars in an operation ran from a Caerphilly car wash, have pleaded guilty in court.

Dilshad Shamo, 41, of Castell Morgraig, Caerphilly, and Ali Khdir, 42, of Pontygwindy Road, smuggled refugees from the Middle East across Europe using a string of different methods to defy border police.

The pair were part of an organised people smuggling cartel which moved people from Iraq, Iran and Syria through the EU to Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Germany and France.

They were arrested in a National Crime Agency (NCA) swoop in April last year after an investigation centred around the Fast Track Hand Car Wash run by both men on Pontygwindy Road.

The investigation was supported by Gwent Police.

They were charged in February 2024 with offences of facilitation of migrants through Europe. Both appeared at Cardiff Crown Court for trial on November 11.

After hearing ten days of evidence against them, both pleaded guilty to all offences on Friday November 22.

A further hearing will be held on Monday November 25 ahead of sentencing.

‘A double life’

NCA branch commander Derek Evans said: “Ali Khdir and Dilshad Shamo were leading a double life – while on the surface they seemed to be operating a successful car wash, they were actually part of a prolific people smuggling group moving migrants across Europe and taking thousands in payment.

“Our evidence showed migrants moving under Khdir and Shamo made it to EU countries and we assess their journeys have and would have continued into the UK.

“We worked painstakingly to piece together their movements to prove their important roles in a group, from advertising their services through videos to boasting of successful trips on messaging groups.”

‘Shameless attempt to make cash’

Dame Angela Eagle, the UK Government minister for border security, said: “Criminals like Khdir and Shamo put countless lives at risk smuggling vulnerable people through Europe in a shameless attempt to make cash.

“We are taking action against the people smuggling gangs and will stop at nothing to dismantle their networks and bring justice to the system.”

Dame Angela thanked the NCA for its “tireless dedication” and said: “Those who undermine our border security will not be tolerated and will face the full extent of the law.”

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