Crime
West wales businessman on trial for smuggling migrants
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.
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)
Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations
A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.
The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.
The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.
Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.
“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.
“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”
Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.
“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.
“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.
“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.
Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.
Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.
The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.
You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.
Support is also available via the below support services:
Victim Support Dyfed-Powys
Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.
0300 123 2996
Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)
Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.
01267 221194
Live Fear Free Helpline
24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.
0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333
A YOUNG rugby player was left fighting for his life after being stabbed repeatedly outside a Gorseinon social club — and on Friday (Dec 19) the man responsible was jailed at Swansea Crown Court.
Morgan Hopkins, aged 18 at the time of the attack, was seriously injured in the early hours of Sunday (June 22) outside The New Lodge Social Club on Alexandra Road.
Mr Hopkins, known to friends as “Hobby”, is a local rugby player with Morriston RFC. He had been waiting for a lift home with his girlfriend when trouble broke out nearby.
The court heard that Mr Hopkins attempted to defuse a confrontation between another group of males and Kane Evans. As tensions rose, Evans approached Mr Hopkins armed with a knife.
In a final attempt to calm the situation, Mr Hopkins reportedly said: “No one needed to get hurt.”
Moments later, Evans launched a ferocious and unprovoked attack.
Mr Hopkins was stabbed no fewer than ten times to the chest and abdomen. Surgeons later told police that one of the wounds was less than half an inch from being fatal.
He underwent extensive emergency surgery and was left with lasting physical and psychological injuries.
In a victim personal statement read to the court, Mr Hopkins described the terror of the attack and the devastating impact it has had on his life.
He said his dream of playing professional rugby had been put on hold, adding that the loss of weekly matches had left him feeling lost and isolated. He told the court he no longer felt safe in his own home and struggled to go out, describing ongoing anxiety and depression.
Mr Hopkins also detailed the financial consequences of the attack, saying he had lost around £4,800 in wages and a further £800 from a cancelled holiday.
Police confirmed that Kane Evans, now aged 21, had gone out that night armed with a kitchen knife and may also have been carrying a second Stanley-type blade.
Officers said Evans was aggressive at the time of his arrest and was later charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.
At Swansea Crown Court today, Evans was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years to follow.
Passing sentence, the judge described the attack as random and extremely violent, warning that Evans posed a serious ongoing risk to the public.
Family members and supporters of Mr Hopkins were present in court as the sentence was handed down.
Since the attack, friends, teammates and members of the local community have rallied around Mr Hopkins, offering support as he continues his recovery from injuries that have permanently altered his life.
Officers ask residents to check CCTV and dashcam footage
POLICE are appealing for information following the theft of a vehicle in Ystradowen on Thursday evening (Dec 18).
A silver Ford Fiesta, registration CV05 CVJ, was reported stolen from a property on Brynawel Terrace, Penygraig Road, at around 5.30pm.
The vehicle was later discovered on New Road, Cwmllynfell, where it had been involved in a collision with a lamppost.
Dyfed-Powys Police are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who lives or travelled along the route between Brynawel Terrace and New Road, Cwmllynfell, to check their CCTV or dashcam footage in case the incident was captured.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101, or by sending a direct message via social media.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Quote reference: 25*1032732.
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