EIGHT MEN CHARGED WITH CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES ACROSS THE UK, INCLUDING AMINUR RAHMAN CHOWDHURY FROM TOTTENHAM
Eight men from various parts of the United Kingdom have been formally charged with over 30 criminal offenses as part of an investigation into child sexual exploitation, which followed arrests related to past abuse incidents in south Wales.The accused, aged between 54 and 73, were apprehended during a targeted operation on July 14.
Their arrests took place in locations including Newport, Swansea, London, Birmingham, Lancashire, Edinburgh, and Argyll and Bute.
This legal action is part of Operation Oak, a detailed enquiry into organized child sexual exploitation conducted by Gwent Police, headquartered in Cwmbran.
Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Tuck highlighted the complexity of the case, stating, “Operation Oak is a long-term investigation into group-based child exploitation in south Wales.
In collaboration with the CPS, we have now reached a significant milestone where charges have been laid against eight individuals.
Our primary goal remains the support and care of victims, working alongside specialist agencies to ensure they continue to receive assistance.” The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has sanctioned 34 charges against the suspects, including 17 counts of rape—some involving multiple episodes.
The allegations involve sexual abuse purported to have taken place between 1985 and 1996, with the victims being minors at the time.
Among those charged is 58-year-old Shafaq Mohammed from Birmingham, facing 11 charges, such as multiple counts of rape affecting both minors and adults, complicity in rape, and violations under the Sexual Offences Act 1956.
Syed Mohammad Ashan Taqvi, aged 65 and from Newport, faces three counts of raping a female under 16.
Edinburgh resident Mohammed Sheikh Abdul Hannan, aged 54, is accused of eight charges, including rape, indecent assault, aiding and abetting rape, and conspiracy to commit rape.
Kevin Lawrence, 54, from Dunoon, is charged with two conspiracy to rape counts and a charge of causing a woman to enter prostitution.
Sheikh Mohammed Tahir Ullah, aged 73 from Newport, faces accusations of raping a female under 16 and another rape of a woman aged 16 or over.
Aminur Rahman Chowdhury, 58, from Tottenham, is charged with raping a woman over 16.
Shakeel Babur, aged 58 of Lancashire, faces four counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16.
Murad Ali, 57 from Swansea, is accused of raping a female under 16 on two occasions.
All eight suspects are scheduled to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tuck also emphasized the importance of responsible communication, advising caution against posting unverified information on social media that could influence court proceedings.
He urged anyone with knowledge of child abuse or concerns about potential victims to come forward, assuring the public that reports will be taken seriously.
Jenny Hopkins, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, explained, “We have proceeded with charges against these eight men for rape and child sexual abuse related to incidents from 1985 to 1996, following a Gwent Police investigation into organized grooming gangs in south Wales.” She added that investigators found sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that pursuing these charges aligns with the public interest.
"We have collaborated closely with Gwent Police throughout their investigation." She further reminded everyone that these cases are active legal proceedings, and the defendants are entitled to a fair trial.
