LANCASHIRE MAN CHARGED WITH INDECENT ASSAULT ON GIRL UNDER 16
Eight men from various parts of the UK have been formally accused of over 30 criminal offences connected to a child sexual exploitation investigation stemming from arrests related to historical abuse cases in south Wales.These individuals, aged between 54 and 73, were taken into custody during a targeted operation on July 14.
The arrests took place across multiple locations including Newport, Swansea, London, Birmingham, Lancashire, Edinburgh, and Argyll and Bute.
The charges are a result of Operation Oak, an ongoing investigation into group-based child sexual abuse led by Gwent Police, headquartered in Cwmbran.
Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Tuck explained that: "Operation Oak is a lengthy and complex inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation in south Wales." "Thanks to our collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service, we have now reached a crucial phase where eight men have been formally charged." He highlighted the importance of victim support, stating, "Central to our investigation has been assisting those affected.
Alongside specialist agencies, we continue to provide ongoing support." The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized 34 charges in total, including 17 counts of rape, some involving multiple incidents.
These allegations pertain to sexual abuse purportedly carried out between 1985 and 1996, targeting eight victims who were minors at the time.
The accused include 58-year-old Shafaq Mohammed from Birmingham, facing 11 charges, such as multiple rapes involving both minors and adults, aiding and abetting rape, along with offences under the Sexual Offences Act 1956.
Syed Mohammad Ashan Taqvi, 65, from Newport, is accused of three counts of raping a female under 16.
Edinburgh resident Mohammed Sheikh Abdul Hannan, aged 54, faces eight charges, including rape, indecent assault, aiding and abetting rape, and conspiracy.
Kevin Lawrence, 54, from Dunoon, is charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit rape and one count of causing a woman to engage in prostitution.
Sheikh Mohammed Tahir Ullah, aged 73 from Newport, faces two charges: raping a female under 16 and raping a woman aged 16 or over.
Aminur Rahman Chowdhury, 58, from Tottenham, is accused of raping a woman over 16.
58-year-old Shakeel Babur from Lancashire faces four counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16.
Murad Ali, 57, from Swansea, is charged with two counts of raping a female under 16.
All eight suspects are scheduled to appear before Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tuck cautioned the public about speculation, "While investigations like this are understandably concerning, it’s essential for the integrity of the proceedings and the wellbeing of victims that no social media posts undermine the case." "We take reports of child abuse seriously and encourage anyone with concerns or who has suffered abuse to come forward.
We are committed to listening and investigating all reports, providing necessary support." Jenny Hopkins, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, added, "We have authorized charges against eight men related to alleged offences between 1985 and 1996, following an investigation by Gwent Police into organized grooming gangs in South Wales." "Our teams have reviewed sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution and believe it’s in the public interest to do so." "We have collaborated closely with Gwent Police throughout this process.
It’s important to remember that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendants are entitled to a fair trial."
