BIRMINGHAM MAN CHARGED WITH MULTIPLE CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES IN SOUTH WALES INVESTIGATION
A group of eight men from various parts of the UK face over 30 charges following an investigation into child sexual exploitation related to historic abuse cases in south Wales.The suspects, aged 54 to 73, were detained during a targeted operation on July 14, which involved arrests in Newport, Swansea, London, Birmingham, Lancashire, Edinburgh, and Argyll and Bute.
This legal action is part of Operation Oak, an inquiry led by Gwent Police into organized child sexual abuse, with headquarters in Cwmbran.
Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Tuck commented: “Operation Oak is a lengthy and complex investigation into group-based child exploitation in south Wales.
Thanks to our collaboration with the CPS, we have now taken a significant step with eight individuals charged.
Our primary focus remains on supporting victims, and we are working with specialist agencies to continue providing assistance.” The Crown Prosecution Service has authorized 34 charges in total, including 17 counts of rape, some involving multiple incidents.
These allegations concern abuse purportedly carried out between 1985 and 1996, against eight victims who were minors at the time.
One of those charged is 58-year-old Shafaq Mohammed from Birmingham, facing 11 charges that include multiple rapes involving both minors and adults, assisting in rape, and offences under the Sexual Offences Act 1956.
Syed Mohammad Ashan Taqvi, 65, from Newport, has been accused of three counts of raping a female under 16.
Another defendant, Mohammed Sheikh Abdul Hannan, aged 54 from Edinburgh, faces eight charges comprising 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 one involving causing a woman’s prostitution.
The defendant Sheikh Mohammed Tahir Ullah, 73 from Newport, faces allegations of raping a female under 16 and another over the age of 16.
Aminur Rahman Chowdhury, aged 58 from Tottenham, is accused of raping a female over 16.
Shakeel Babur, 58 from Lancashire, is charged with four counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16.
Murad Ali, 57 from Swansea, faces two counts of raping a female under 16.
All suspects are scheduled to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
Detective Chief Superintendent Tuck emphasized caution in public commentary: “While investigations like this may cause concern, it’s crucial to prioritize the victims and the integrity of the legal process by refraining from social media posts that could influence court proceedings.
We take reports of child abuse seriously and encourage anyone suffering or concerned about others to come forward.
We are committed to listening, investigating thoroughly, and providing necessary support.” Jenny Hopkins, the CPS Chief Crown Prosecutor, added: “We have authorized charges against eight men for rape and child sexual abuse allegedly committed between 1985 and 1996, as part of a Gwent Police probe into organized grooming gangs in South Wales.
Our prosecutors have verified that sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial and that pursuing these charges is in the public interest.
The investigation was carried out in close cooperation with Gwent Police.”
