EMAD KAKY FROM SWANSEA JAILED FOR CONSPIRING TO PERFORM FGM AND FORCED MARRIAGE IN IRAQ

In a landmark case that has sent shockwaves through the community and legal circles alike, Emad Kaky, a man previously known to many as a resident of Swansea, has been convicted and sentenced for his involvement in a sinister conspiracy aimed at subjecting a young girl to female genital mutilation (FGM) and forcing her into marriage abroad. This case marks the first time in England and Wales that such a conviction has been secured for a conspiracy of this nature, highlighting the seriousness with which authorities are now tackling these heinous crimes.

According to court records, Kaky, aged 47, orchestrated a plan to send the girl from the United Kingdom to Iraq, where he had arranged for her to undergo FGM—a procedure that causes irreversible physical and psychological trauma—and to be coerced into a marriage against her will. Fortunately, the plot was foiled before any harm could be inflicted. A vigilant witness, whose identity remains protected, intervened in the scheme, facilitating the girl’s return to the UK and promptly reporting Kaky to law enforcement authorities.

Following this intervention, Kaky was swiftly arrested and faced charges of conspiracy to commit FGM and forced marriage. Throughout the legal proceedings, he maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in the conspiracy. The case was brought before Nottingham Crown Court, where a ten-day trial culminated in a conviction on September 9, 2024. The court subsequently sentenced Kaky to four and a half years in prison for his role in the conspiracy.

Janine McKinney, the Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, issued a statement emphasizing the gravity of the case. She said, “Today, Emad Kaky has faced the consequences of his actions in trying to get a young, innocent girl subjected to female genital mutilation and to be forced into a marriage not of her choosing. Had he succeeded in his plans, this child would have suffered unimaginable physical and mental harm.”

The prosecution underscored the importance of this case as a clear message that such practices have no place in modern society. McKinney added, “The law is unequivocal that there is no tolerance for this unacceptable practice, and authorities will pursue and prosecute anyone involved in planning or executing such offenses, regardless of whether they succeed.”

One of the complexities faced during the trial was the defense’s argument that FGM was not criminalized in Iraq, where Kaky intended to carry out the procedure. However, the prosecution demonstrated that FGM is indeed illegal under Iraqi law, and that Kaky’s actions in England and Wales constituted a conspiracy to commit a crime abroad. Evidence presented in court included Kaky’s booking records and payment receipts for the trip to Iraq, as well as messages retrieved from his phone indicating his explicit intentions for the girl to undergo FGM and be forced into marriage.

Additionally, a cultural expert was called upon to explain the physical and psychological damage inflicted by FGM, emphasizing the long-term harm that such procedures cause to victims. The prosecution argued that even though Kaky’s plan was ultimately thwarted, the intent behind it was sufficient to warrant a severe sentence, reflecting the seriousness with which the court views such conspiracies.

In delivering the sentence, the judge acknowledged the potential harm that Kaky’s actions could have caused, and highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from such predatory schemes. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and judicial authorities to combat and eradicate practices like FGM and forced marriage, which continue to threaten the safety and well-being of young girls and women across the UK and beyond.