NAEEM AHMED, NABEEL AHMED, AND HASSAN RAZA SENTENCED IN EAST LONDON SEX RING CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Barking and Romford, three men have been sentenced to a combined total of 24 years in prison for their involvement in a heinous underage prostitution and sexual assault operation operating within East London. The men, Naeem Ahmed, Nabeel Ahmed, and Hassan Raza, were found guilty of subjecting an 18-year-old girl to repeated rape and sexual abuse after they had lured her with alcohol and drugs, exploiting her vulnerability.

Naheem Ahmed, aged 24, who was identified as the leader of the group and self-styled 'pimp,' was sentenced to 14 years in prison. His role in the crimes was particularly prominent, as he openly boasted to police about his sexual activities with the victim, even referencing the 'Kama Sutra' during questioning. This brazen admission underscored his confidence and the brutal nature of his actions. Naeem's criminal conduct was part of a broader pattern of abuse involving multiple girls, with evidence from six victims presented during a lengthy seven-week trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Nabeel Ahmed, aged 25, and Hassan Raza, aged 23, received sentences of eight and two years respectively. Nabeel was convicted on one count of rape, while Hassan was found guilty of sexual assault. Both men participated in the abuse of the 18-year-old girl, taking turns to assault her after intoxicating her with alcohol and drugs. Their involvement was corroborated by the testimonies of the victims and the evidence presented during the trial.

The case also included allegations from other young women. One 17-year-old girl claimed she was forcibly held down and raped by two of the men after agreeing to work as a prostitute for Naeem Ahmed. She recounted that Naeem told her his 'love for her would grow' if she engaged in sex with other men for money. Another teenager, aged 16, reported that Naeem Ahmed instructed her to have sex with him, claiming he needed to 'see how good you are in bed,' before pressuring her into prostitution.

Another distressing account involved an 18-year-old girl who was picked up in the street following an argument with her boyfriend. She was taken to a house in Chadwell Heath, where she was first raped by Naeem Ahmed, also known as 'Ricky.' Shortly afterward, Nabeel Ahmed entered the room and forced himself on her. Naeem then returned and raped her again, telling her, 'I’m not done with you yet.' The same girl later described her feelings of violation and despair, stating, 'I felt dirty and disgusting. I just wanted to go home. I just wanted to have a wash.'

Further allegations involved two other girls, aged 16 and 17, who accused restaurant owner Anas Iqbal, aged 26, of raping and sexually abusing them after meeting on the street. Additionally, a sixth girl, aged 18, claimed she was persuaded by Naeem Ahmed to work as a prostitute and slept with a man for £30. Despite the extensive testimonies, the jury only convicted the three men concerning the sexual assault of one girl, after deliberating for five days.

Legal representatives for the accused provided contrasting perspectives. Naeem Ahmed's defense argued that the victim's belief that she was unable to leave was fabricated and that her account of abduction was voluntary. They emphasized that Naeem has been unable to see his son, which has caused him significant stress. Nabeel Ahmed's lawyer highlighted his hard work and family dependence, describing him as a 'credit to his family,' and acknowledged the seriousness of his offense. Hassan Raza's defense noted that the victim described him as a 'completely decent person' who only tried to stop when she asked him to. The judge, Martyn Zeidman, condemned the defendants for exploiting an honest teenager, describing their treatment of her as 'despicable and cruel.'

Naeem Ahmed, who resides in Barking, Essex, denied five counts of rape against two victims, as well as charges related to controlling child prostitution, paying for sexual services of a child, and inciting prostitution for gain. He was convicted on three counts of rape concerning the 18-year-old girl but was acquitted of other charges. Nabeel Ahmed, from Romford, Essex, faced and denied three counts of rape but was ultimately convicted of one. Hassan Raza, also from Barking, was found guilty of a single count of sexual assault. Meanwhile, Anas Iqbal, of East Ham, East London, denied five counts of rape and one of attempted rape but was found not guilty of five charges and now faces a retrial on two remaining counts.

This case has raised serious concerns about exploitation and abuse within vulnerable communities in East London, prompting calls for increased vigilance and protective measures for young girls in care and on the streets. The authorities have emphasized their commitment to pursuing justice for victims and preventing such crimes from occurring in the future.