Two British men charged over alleged people smuggling operation
The National Crime Agency led the investigation
PA
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Two men from South Wales have been charged after authorities smashed a major people smuggling operation, transporting hundreds of migrants through Europe towards the UK.
Dilshad Shamo, 41 and Ali Khdir, 42, were charged with assisting unlawful immigration when they appeared at Newport Magistrates Court.
The men are alleged to have moved more than 500 illegal migrants into Europe.
Authorities believe the pair operated the people smuggling operation from the UK, arranging for the movement of migrants by boat, lorry and car from Iraq, Iran and Syria into Europe.
The National Crime Agency, which is leading the investigation, believes that many of the migrants ended up the UK.
It is alleged that both men worked as part of a wider organised crime group, in breach of EU immigration laws.
Shamo and Khdir were initially arrested in April 2023 and were charged with the alleged offences on Sunday.
The National Crime Agency's branch commander Derek Evans said: “This investigation involves two UK residents suspected of organising the logistics of moving illegals migrants through Europe.
“The arrest and charge of these individuals is a major disruption to a suspected international organised crime group alleged to have moved hundreds, if not thousands of migrants illegally across borders.”
Both men were remanded in custody.
They will appear at Newport Crown Court on March 18.