SAMAN OBAID AND NEWCASTLE GANG CONVICTED IN SHOCKING SEXUAL EXPLOITATION CASE

In a disturbing series of criminal proceedings, four men have been found guilty of their involvement in a heinous gang operating within Newcastle, which was responsible for the sexual exploitation of vulnerable young girls, some as young as 13 years old. The case, which spanned several years and was thoroughly investigated by Northumbria Police under Operation Wren, has brought to light the disturbing extent of this criminal network.

Among those convicted is Saman Obaid, a 29-year-old resident of Newcastle, who was found guilty of supplying controlled drugs. His involvement in the case was part of a broader pattern of criminal activity that included drug distribution and facilitating the exploitation of minors. Obaid was sentenced to 4.8 years in prison, a punishment reflecting the severity of his crimes. Despite his conviction for drug supply, he was cleared of any charges related to sexual activity with a child, paying for sexual services, or conspiracy to facilitate child prostitution.

Other individuals involved include Ribas Asad, also 29 and from Newcastle, who was convicted of sexual assault and engaging in sexual activity with a minor. Palla Pour, aged 25 from Longbenton, was found guilty of sexual activity with a child, while Soran Azizi, 28, also from Newcastle, was convicted of sex trafficking. Pour was additionally convicted of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, supplying drugs, and allowing drug supply on his premises. Azizi was cleared of rape and sexual activity with a minor, but his involvement in sex trafficking was confirmed.

During the court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court, the prosecution highlighted the disturbing nature of these crimes, emphasizing that the victims were often manipulated and controlled by the defendants, many of whom were older and more experienced. The court heard that the girls had been