NEWCASTLE STUDENT FAKHRI ANANG CAUGHT BY PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS IN SHOCKING ONLINE PLOT

In July 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded in Newcastle involving a 21-year-old student named Fakhri Anang, who became the subject of a sting operation conducted by undercover paedophile hunters. Anang, originally from Indonesia but residing in Newcastle, believed he was arranging a meeting with a 14-year-old boy for sexual activity. Instead, he was confronted by members of the group Guardians of the North, who had set up a fake online profile to catch individuals seeking to engage in illegal sexual encounters with minors.

According to court proceedings, Anang initiated contact with the fake profile, which was created by the vigilante group. He used the alias 'Fakhri' and asked the profile, which was pretending to be a 14-year-old boy, to participate in a sex act. The group responded with the name 'Zen,' and during the conversation, Anang repeatedly pressed for sexual activity, showing little concern for the age of the person he believed he was communicating with.

Prosecutor Michael Bunch explained to Newcastle Crown Court that during the exchange, the profile 'Zen' explicitly stated that he was 14 years old. Despite this, Anang continued to pursue the conversation, asking if Zen could come to his address and even offering to pay for a taxi to facilitate the meeting. Anang questioned the profile about its age, remarking, 'You know it’s illegal having sex under 18,' indicating awareness of the law but a continued willingness to proceed.

As the conversation progressed, 'Zen' informed Anang that he had arrived near his address. At that moment, Anang was confronted by a member of the Guardians of the North. Overcome with remorse, Anang apologized, saying, 'I’m sorry, I’m sorry, don’t call the police, I’m lonely and I need sex.'

Following his arrest, Anang was taken in for police interviews, during which he admitted his guilt. He stated that his primary intention was to have a sexual act performed on him. When asked about the age of the boy he believed he was communicating with, Anang admitted, 'I know it wasn’t right but I was horny.'

During the court hearing, Recorder Nicholas Lumley QC highlighted the gravity of Anang’s actions. He pointed out that Anang had actively sought online sexual activity with a young person, fully aware that the individual he was communicating with claimed to be 14. The judge emphasized that Anang’s continued engagement and arrangement to meet the minor demonstrated a clear understanding of the unlawful nature of his intentions.

In sentencing, Recorder Lumley QC imposed a sentence of eight months in prison, suspended for two years. The court also considered but ultimately decided against imposing a sex offenders prevention order, citing Anang’s imminent departure from the country. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of vigilante groups like Guardians of the North to combat online grooming and protect minors from exploitation.