Crime

West wales businessman on trial for smuggling migrants

Published

2 years ago

August 27, 2024

THE ONGOING trial of a west Wales man accused of smuggling migrants into the UK has revealed more than just the harrowing conditions faced by those involved. It has also brought to light a complex network of business connections spanning South Wales, raising questions about the true nature of these operations and their links to unlawful activities.

The trial of 43-year-old Anas Al Mustafa at Lewes Crown Court has gripped public attention. Al Mustafa, who moved to the UK from Syria in 2011 and now resides in Swansea, is charged with assisting unlawful entry into the UK. The charges stem from an incident on 16 February, when seven migrants were discovered concealed in a refrigerated van on a ferry from Dieppe to Newhaven. Jurors heard that the migrants were found in a dangerously small, airless compartment, screaming for help as they ran out of oxygen.

Prosecutors argued that Al Mustafa played a key role in the smuggling operation, with evidence suggesting he was aware of the human cargo in his vehicle. Although Al Mustafa claims he was merely a driver unaware of the migrants, his suspicious behaviour during the rescue operation and the unusually high payment he received for the job have cast doubt on his defence.

***The incident sparked an emergency response at Newhaven port (Pic: Eddie Mitchel/BBC News Hub)***

Beyond the immediate details of the smuggling operation, the trial has drawn attention to Al Mustafa’s extensive business connections in South Wales. Al Mustafa is linked to several companies across the region, with ties to Swansea, Cardiff, and Bedwas. These connections suggest a network of businesses that may be involved in activities beyond their stated purposes.

Al Mustafa was previously the director of A & T Food Transport Ltd., a company registered at 22 Caepistyll Street in Swansea. The company, which operates out of a property owned by Coastal Housing Group, raises questions about the legality of running businesses from social housing. Al Mustafa resigned from this position in September 2023, passing control to Mohammad Mustafa al Mustafa, a Swedish national believed to be a relative.

Investigations have revealed that this is just one of several businesses associated with Al Mustafa. Other companies include Amana Accountant Ltd. and Pure General Trading Ltd., both of which have connections to properties owned by Swansea Council. The frequent changes in directors, addresses, and the apparent lack of substantial financial activity within these businesses have raised suspicions about their true purpose.

The business connections extend to Cardiff, where A & T Food Transport’s Certificate of Incorporation lists an address in St Mellons. Al Mustafa’s personal address in Cardiff is linked to Somarz Properties LLP, a company that has seen a significant and unexplained increase in investments, further complicating the web of financial dealings surrounding these individuals.

In Bedwas, Al Mustafa was involved with A & B Marble Ltd., a company trading under the name Royal Marble. Despite claims of over 20 years of experience in the marble and granite industry, the company’s financial records and online presence suggest otherwise. The discrepancies between the company’s stated history and its actual operations, including the lack of significant assets, add to the growing list of concerns.

The ongoing trial of Anas Al Mustafa has brought to light not only the dangers faced by migrants attempting to enter the UK but also a complex network of business operations across South Wales. These businesses, linked by common directors and questionable financial activities, raise concerns about their role in the broader context of unlawful activities.

Jurors have heard how the crew on the Dieppe-Newhaven ferry heard pleas from the van on 16 February and used an axe to break down a fake partition to get them out.

Mr Al Mustafa said it was the “most difficult day of his life”.

Speaking through an Arabic interpreter in court on Thursday (Aug 22), he said: “I remember only certain scenes of what was going on. I saw a person throwing up. I saw them when they were getting the people inside to outside. It was a shock to me.”

The court previously heard how, in Syria, he had been introduced to a man called Badr who said he needed him to do a job driving a van.

Jurors were also told Mr Al Mustafa said he had previously been paid £500 to drive a van to Liverpool, but for the February job, he was being paid £5,000 to drive the van to the UK.

The court heard Mr Al Mustafa told police, in an interview with no interpreter, he did not know there were people in the van, but because he was being paid £5,000, he thought “maybe this time there is people inside”.

In court, however, Mr Al Mustafa said the £5,000 sum was incorrect and he meant £500.

He said he did not remember telling police he thought maybe people were in the van and he didn’t know why he said that.

The father-of-two said: “My problem is not what we spoke in there (interview) I didn’t understand. When it was being read here, I noticed there are things I can’t remember I said, and what I said is not correct even.”

The court heard he had been offered an interpreter for the police interview, but after he was told one was not available then, he said he would try in English.

Asked if he knew there were illegal immigrants in the van, the self-employed builder said: “No, only after it was discovered.

“I don’t need to do that kind of job.

“I have my business. I have my company. I have my accounts and I have proof of accounts for 13 years. Why would I do something that is illegal?”

Further revelations may soon emerge in court about the extent of Al Mustafa’s involvement in these businesses and their connections to the smuggling operation. The case serves as a reminder of the intricate and often hidden networks that can operate behind seemingly legitimate enterprises, with potential implications for law enforcement and public trust in business practices across the region.

The trial continues.

(Cover Pic: Eddie Mitchel/BBC News Hub)

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

3 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.