Zubair Shah

Zubair Shah was born in Pakistan on January 1, 1982, but was living in Avezzano (AQ) alongside his brother Sadiq. In 2015, he was accused of aiding and abetting illegal immigration, and of being part of a criminal association composed of several individuals of Pakistani and Afghan origins across Italy, who trafficked people into Italy illegally and helped them stay by providing them with fake documents or job permits. His arrest was part of a broader operation of the DIGOS to apprehend members of a terrorist cell close to al-Qaeda and other jihadist organisations, operating between Olbia and Rome under the direction of Sultan Wali Khan.
Zubair was arrested in April 2015 and charged with criminal association under Article 416 of the Italian Penal Code, and Law 4 of March 16, 2006, no. 146. In particular, he worked under the directives of Sultan Wali Khan to receive immigrants upon their arrival in Italy, providing housing and assisting them with the necessary information to obtain political asylum. Court documents and phone conversations reveal that Zubair and his brother were professionals in carrying out these illicit activities, indicating their involvement was not occasional.
Zubair Shah, alongside his brother Sadiq, Sultan Wali Khan, and Siyar Khan, was also charged with Article 12 of the Italian Immigration Law (D.Lgs. 286/1998). Sultan was instrumental in arranging for Malik Aabed’s entry into Italy, coordinating with Zubair and Sadiq Shah, who were involved in helping Aabed secure a place in the refugee camp in Ancona. Khan also advised the Shahs on how to assist Aabed, including coaching him on the responses needed for his asylum application. However, although the court found Khan’s guilty of providing assistance to Aabed, Zubair was found not guilty.
On April 13, 2019, the Assize Court of Sassari acquitted Zubair Shah.