Two Men Deny Charges in Alleged Migrant Smuggling Conspiracy

Two men have denied their involvement in an alleged conspiracy to smuggle illegal migrants across Europe and into the UK. Dilshad Shamo, 41, and Ali Khdir, 40, both hailing from Caerphilly, are alleged to have transported hundreds of individuals by means of cars, lorries, and boats to the UK, originating from Iraq, Iran, and Syria. The alleged illicit activities are said to have occurred during the period spanning October 2022 to April 2023. During an appearance at Cardiff Crown Court, both defendants entered pleas of not guilty to a total of five charges of conspiring to violate migration legislation in Italy, Romania, Croatia, and Germany, with the objective of bringing migrants into the UK. Their trial is anticipated to commence on 11 November.