Seven charged following investigation into grooming gang in Norfolk
Seven men allegedly part of a grooming ring in Norfolk have been charged with dozens of rapes and child sexual abuse offences, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
A spokesman for Norfolk Constabulary said the men, who are Afghan nationals and refugees, were charged with sexual offenses committed in Norwich between August 2023 and May 2025. The men will appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
The charges follow a coordinated police operation on Wednesday that saw officers raid seven addresses, six in Norwich and one in Dumbarton, Scotland, leading to seven arrests.
A force spokesman added that officers from Garda Siochana arrested the eighth suspect, a 19-year-old in Ireland, shortly after 7am on Friday morning. They added that “appropriate legal processes will be followed” to ensure his return to the UK.
The men charged are:
- Ahmedin Ahmadzai, 20, of Pottergate, Norwich. He was charged with nine counts of rape, two counts of conspiracy to commit rape, one count of facilitating human trafficking and one count of perverting the course of justice.
- Jamil Khalili, 20, of High Street, Dumbarton, Scotland. He is charged with seven counts of rape, one count of conspiracy to commit rape and one count of facilitating human trafficking.
- Fazal Auryakhel, 20, of Eleanor Road, Norwich. He is accused of one count of rape.
- Qais Kaker, 20, from Black Horse Opening, Norwich. He is charged with four counts of rape, one count of rape conspiracy and one count of aiding human trafficking.
- Mohammed Farooq Shinwary, 20, of St Benedicts St, Norwich. He is accused of two counts of rape.
- Ali Ahamad, 21, of Pelham Rd, Norwich. He is charged with one count of rape and three counts of facilitating human trafficking.
- Sayed Wahid Davodzai, 20, of St Benedicts St, Norwich. He is charged with four counts of rape and one count of rape conspiracy.
Det Supt Stacey Murray, who is investigating, said: “The victims are at the heart of our investigation and at the forefront of our minds. Their safety and welfare is our primary concern and priority.”
“I want to reassure everyone that we have been meticulous in our approach to this investigation. A dedicated team continues to work exclusively on this matter to examine every available line of inquiry and gather evidence, respecting the traumatic experiences of the victims.”
“We know from our work with the National Association of People Exploited in Childhood (NAPAC) that victims can make choices about whether, when, or whether to come forward. The investigation and justice process can be overwhelming, and the risk may still be present. The important thing is that when they are ready, victims know they will be listened to, believed, and supported.”
Norwich Inspector Craig Miller said: “I know this news will be shocking to our communities. A case of this nature is heartbreaking and I want people who live and work in Norwich, as well as the wider community of Norfolk, to know that we will do everything possible to protect children from abuse and exploitation.
“Project Phoenix, for example, was launched as a direct result of this investigation to improve the support already offered to children and young people. It brings together police, Children’s Services and healthcare workers into one team to protect children at risk outside the home and keep them safe.”
“We will have officers in the city and wider Norwich communities to provide reassurance over the next few weeks. Please contact them if you have any concerns or concerns.”
Chief Prosecutor Jenny Hopkins of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Organized Child Sexual Exploitation Unit said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute seven men on charges of rape and child sexual abuse for allegedly committing offenses between August 2023 and May 2025, following an investigation by Norfolk Constabulary into organized grooming ring activity in the county.
“Our prosecutors worked to determine that there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial and that it was in the public interest to pursue criminal prosecution.
“We worked closely with the Norfolk Police Service as they conducted their investigation.
“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and he is entitled to a fair trial. “It is vital that there is no news, commentary or sharing of information online that could harm these proceedings in any way.”
Authorities encourage anyone with information about this investigation to come forward and share any details. People can call 101 and refer to Op Highwood26 in your conversation.
