TALHERUL ALAM AND NEWCASTLE'S DARK UNDERBELLY: SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE AND DRUG RING REVEALED

A disturbing case has come to light involving the conviction of Taherul Alam, a man linked to a widespread network of exploitation in Newcastle. The case uncovered a heinous pattern of abuse where young girls, some as young as 14, were systematically manipulated, drugged, and coerced into sexual acts by a group of offenders operating within the city’s West End.

Over the course of four separate trials, a total of 18 individuals, including Alam, faced justice for their roles in this organized and cynical operation. The court heard that these offenders, comprising 17 men and one woman, engaged in a series of criminal activities that included rape, drug distribution, conspiracy to promote prostitution, and trafficking. The evidence presented spanned from 2011 to 2014, with testimonies from 20 young women who bravely came forward to describe their traumatic experiences.

These victims, many of whom were vulnerable teenagers, recounted how they were initially flattered by the attention of the offenders, who appeared to be their friends or protectors. However, this facade quickly dissolved as they were lured into parties, often called 'sessions,' where alcohol and drugs, notably mephedrone (commonly known as M-Kat), were readily available. Coffee tables at these gatherings were left with bags of M-Kat for the girls to help themselves, further entrenching their dependency and vulnerability.

The parties took place at various locations around Newcastle’s West End, including the upper floors of a tower block known as Todd’s Nook. One teenage girl testified that she was raped three times during one of these sessions. Prosecutors described how the victims were passed between their abusers in a systematic manner, highlighting the organized nature of the operation. Many victims reported being too intoxicated to defend themselves, with some becoming addicted and feeling compelled to perform sexual acts in exchange for drugs.

One victim recounted attending approximately 60 parties, illustrating the scale of the exploitation. Another described an encounter at an address where she was confronted by two older men and a woman, who appeared frightened and submissive, like a 'slave.' She recounted being told what she would do for money and drugs, or face violence. Another girl explained that she knew she had to comply with demands to obtain alcohol or drugs, as she was too intoxicated to resist. In one disturbing account, a victim said that a man had locked the door and told her she could only leave if she engaged in sexual acts.

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. The operation remains ongoing, having resulted in 461 arrests, with police speaking to 703 potential complainants and identifying 278 victims so far. Due to the investigation’s scope, it was divided into several spin-off operations, including Operation Shelter, which uncovered groups of men in the West End of Newcastle who exploited vulnerable young women over a period from 2010 to 2014.

This investigation led to multiple trials, the first beginning in September 2015, and the most recent concluding recently, allowing previous reporting restrictions to be lifted. Among the victims was Sarah, a 19-year-old who was described as extremely vulnerable and unable to care for herself. She reported being raped by Abdul Minoyee in early 2014. Police took her on a tour of the West End to locate Minoyee’s residence and other locations where these parties occurred. Her 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 given money before being returned to their homes. The seriousness of the abuse prompted Newcastle City Council to initiate a serious case review, which is scheduled for publication in December.

City officials and police officials have condemned these crimes. Council leader Nick Forbes described the acts as 'vile crimes committed by evil men,' praising the victims for their bravery and emphasizing that their courage has contributed to making Newcastle a safer city. Chief Constable Steve Ashman reaffirmed the police’s commitment to relentless pursuit of justice, stating that there has been no political correctness in their approach and that all offenders have been targeted with full force.

As reporting restrictions have now been lifted, it has been revealed that a police officer was dismissed for failing to investigate a sex offender’s phone, a lapse linked to an earlier phase of Operation Sanctuary. This failure was considered a serious breach of duty, and Chief Constable Ashman emphasized that the dismissal reflects a shift in police culture towards greater diligence and accountability.

Regarding the convictions, the court sentenced several individuals, including Mohammed Azram, Jahangir Zaman, and Nashir Uddin, all of whom were convicted of conspiracy to incite prostitution, with some also found guilty of rape and drug supply. Saiful Islam received a ten-year sentence for rape, while others like Mohammed Hassan Ali and Abdulhamid Minoyee faced seven and multiple years in prison for their roles. Taherul Alam, aged 32 and residing on Normanton Terrace, was convicted of conspiracy to incite prostitution, supplying drugs to a victim, and attempted sexual assault. The sentences reflect the gravity of their crimes and the organized nature of the operation.

Additional convictions included those of Carolann Gallon, Monjour Choudhury, and Prabhat Nelli, all involved in trafficking and drug distribution. The case underscores the extensive efforts by law enforcement to dismantle this network and bring justice to the victims, who endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of these offenders in Newcastle.