MOHAMMED AZRAM AND OTHERS FROM NEWCASTLE INVOLVED IN ORGANISED SEXUAL ABUSE RING

A disturbing case involving the systematic exploitation of young girls in Newcastle has culminated in the conviction of eighteen individuals, including Mohammed Azram. The victims, some as young as 14, were subjected to a heinous pattern of abuse orchestrated by a highly cynical and organized group operating within the city. The court proceedings revealed that these victims were lured into a trap where they were first befriended and then manipulated into attending parties, often referred to as "sessions," where they were given alcohol and drugs, notably mephedrone, also known as M-Kat.

During these sessions, which took place at various locations around Newcastle’s West End, including the upper floors of the tower block known as Todd's Nook, the victims were subjected to sexual assault and exploitation. One teenage girl recounted being raped three times at one such location. The court heard that these individuals, predominantly from the Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Indian, Iraqi, Iranian, and Turkish communities—most of whom were born in Britain and residing mainly in the West End—were systematically passed between their abusers in a calculated and organized manner.

The victims described a harrowing experience of being too intoxicated to resist or defend themselves, with some becoming addicted to drugs and feeling compelled to perform sexual acts in exchange for substances. One girl, who attended approximately 60 parties, detailed her ordeal, while another described being taken to an address where she encountered two older men and a woman who appeared frightened and submissive, warning her that she would be beaten if she refused to comply.

Testimonies from victims painted a grim picture of coercion and abuse, with one stating, "They told us what she would do for them for money and drugs or she'd get battered." Another victim explained, "I knew that if we wanted drugs or alcohol we would have to do something. [He] had us too intoxicated to fight him off. One time, [he] locked the door. I was told I would only be allowed out if I had sex."

In response to these crimes, Northumbria Police launched Operation Sanctuary in December 2013, an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against girls and young women in Newcastle. To date, the operation has resulted in 461 arrests, with police speaking to 703 potential complainants and identifying 278 victims. The investigation was divided into several sub-operations due to its scale.

One such offshoot, Operation Shelter, uncovered networks of men in Newcastle’s West End who exploited vulnerable young women over a period spanning from 2010 to 2014. This led to multiple trials, the first beginning in September 2015, and the most recent concluding recently, allowing for the lifting of previous reporting restrictions.

Among the victims was Sarah, a 19-year-old girl with significant vulnerabilities who was frequently abused by older men. In early 2014, she reported to police that she had been raped by Abdul Minoyee. A police officer then conducted a detailed tour of the West End to locate Minoyee’s residence and other locations where these parties occurred. Sarah’s testimony was a red flag, indicating a much larger scale of abuse.

Further investigations revealed that two girls in care, aged 14 and 15, had been repeatedly raped by groups of older Asian men, who drove them into Newcastle, supplied them with alcohol and cocaine, and subjected them to beatings and sexual assault. These girls were then returned to their homes, often with money exchanged for their compliance.

In light of these events, Newcastle City Council has initiated a serious case review, which is scheduled for publication in December. Council leader Nick Forbes condemned the crimes, describing them as "vile" and committed by "evil men," praising the bravery of the victims for their resilience and for helping to make the city safer.

Chief Constable Steve Ashman emphasized the police’s unwavering commitment to tackling such crimes, asserting that there has been no political correctness in their approach. He also addressed a past failure where a police officer was dismissed for neglecting to investigate a sex offender’s phone, a lapse linked to an earlier phase of Operation Sanctuary involving Bahmani Ahmadi. Mr. Ashman stated that this dismissal reflects a shift in police culture towards greater diligence and accountability.

Regarding the recent convictions, Mohammed Azram, aged 35 from Croydon Road, was found guilty of conspiracy to incite prostitution, sexual assault, and supplying drugs to a victim. Other notable convictions include Jahangir Zaman, 43, of Hadrian Road, for conspiracy to incite prostitution, rape, and drug supply; and Abdul Hamid Minoyee, 33, of Gainsborough Grove, for rape, sexual assault, and drug supply. Several others received sentences ranging from two to ten years, with some pleading guilty to multiple charges related to trafficking, drug offences, and sexual assault.

These convictions mark a significant step in addressing the organized exploitation that plagued Newcastle’s West End, highlighting the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and community leaders to combat such heinous crimes and protect vulnerable populations from predatory groups.