MAN CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO RAPE AND CAUSING PROSTITUTION IN CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATION
Eight men from various parts of the UK have been formally charged with over 30 crimes linked to a child sexual exploitation inquiry, which stemmed from arrests related to past abuse incidents in south Wales.The individuals, whose ages range from 54 to 73, were taken into custody during a targeted operation on July 14.
The arrest efforts covered locations including Newport, Swansea, London, Birmingham, Lancashire, Edinburgh, and Argyll and Bute.
These charges are part of Operation Oak, an investigation led by Gwent Police into coordinated group-based child sexual exploitation activities.
Gwent Police’s headquarters are situated in Cwmbran.
Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Tuck commented: “Operation Oak is a detailed, long-term investigation into group-based child sexual abuse in south Wales.
With the support of the Crown Prosecution Service, we have now reached a pivotal point where eight men have been formally charged.
Central to our work has been the protection and support of victims, and we continue to work with specialist agencies to aid them.” The Crown Prosecution Service has approved 34 charges in total, which include 17 counts of rape—some with multiple instances.
These allegations concern sexual misconduct believed to have occurred between 1985 and 1996, involving eight individuals who were children at the time.
Among those facing charges is 58-year-old Shafaq Mohammed from Birmingham, accused of 11 offenses, notably multiple rapes involving minors and adults, aiding and abetting rape, and violations under the Sexual Offences Act 1956.
Syed Mohammad Ashan Taqvi, aged 65, from Newport, has been charged with three counts of raping a girl under 16.
Mohammed Sheikh Abdul Hannan, 54, from Edinburgh, is accused of eight crimes, including rape, indecent assault, aiding and abetting rape, and conspiracy to commit rape.
Kevin Lawrence, 54, from Dunoon, faces allegations of two conspiracy to rape charges and one charge of causing a woman to prostitute herself.
Sheikh Mohammed Tahir Ullah, aged 73 from Newport, is accused of raping a female under 16 and another aged 16 or over.
Aminur Rahman Chowdhury, 58, of Tottenham, faces a single charge of raping a woman over 16.
Shakeel Babur, 58, from Lancashire, is charged with four counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16.
Murad Ali, aged 57 from Swansea, faces two charges of raping a female under 16.
All eight defendants are scheduled to appear before Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tuck emphasized the importance of discretion in public discussions: “While investigations like this are likely to cause concern, it’s essential for the victims and the integrity of the process that no social media postings could jeopardize court proceedings.
We encourage anyone who has experienced abuse or suspects someone else may be suffering to come forward.
We promise to listen, investigate all allegations, and provide any necessary support.” Jenny Hopkins, the Chief Crown Prosecutor, added: “We have decided to pursue prosecution against these eight men for alleged offenses spanning from 1985 to 1996.
This follows a detailed investigation by Gwent Police into organized grooming gangs in South Wales.
Our prosecutors examined the evidence thoroughly to ensure there is a sufficient basis for the charges and that pursuing prosecution serves the public interest.
We have collaborated closely with Gwent Police during their inquiry.”
