Eight men have been charged with dozens of offences linked to an alleged child sexual exploitation network operating in south Wales between 1985 and 1996.
The charges stem from a long-running investigation by Gwent Police into historical allegations made by women who reported being abused as children.
Authorities said the defendants, aged between 54 and 73, collectively face 34 criminal charges, including 17 counts of rape. Some of the rape allegations involve multiple incidents.
The case relates to eight victims, all of whom were children at the time the alleged offences are said to have occurred.
Operation Oak Focused on Historical Abuse Reports
The charges arise from Operation Oak, a complex investigation launched by Gwent Police following reports from several women alleging they had been subjected to group-based child sexual exploitation decades ago.
As part of the investigation, police arrested the suspects in several locations across the United Kingdom, including Newport, Swansea, London, Birmingham, Lancashire, Edinburgh, and the Argyll and Bute area of Scotland.
The accused are scheduled to appear before Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
Police Emphasize Victim Support Throughout Investigation
Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Tuck described Operation Oak as a lengthy and complex investigation into allegations of organized child sexual exploitation in south Wales.
He said supporting victims has remained the central priority throughout the investigation, adding that Gwent Police continues to work alongside specialist agencies to ensure those affected receive ongoing assistance.
Tuck also appealed to anyone who has experienced abuse, or who has concerns that someone else may be at risk, to report the matter to police.
He stressed that every report of child abuse would be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and accompanied by access to appropriate support services.
Authorities Warn Against Prejudicing Court Proceedings
Police acknowledged that the case is likely to generate significant public concern but urged the public to avoid posting comments or sharing information on social media that could interfere with the legal process.
Jenny Hopkins, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Wales, said prosecutors had determined there was sufficient evidence to bring the matter before the courts and that pursuing the case was in the public interest.
She also reminded the public that criminal proceedings are now active and that each defendant is entitled to a fair trial, urging people to refrain from publishing or circulating material that could prejudice the proceedings.
Breakdown of Charges Against the Defendants
According to prosecutors, the eight men face a range of allegations involving rape, indecent assault, conspiracy, aiding and abetting rape, and offences relating to causing the prostitution of girls and women.
The defendants are:
- Shafaq Mohammad, 58 – Charged with four counts of rape of a girl under 16, three counts of rape of a woman aged 16 or over, two counts of aiding and abetting the rape of a girl under 16, one count of causing the prostitution of a girl under 16, and one count of causing the prostitution of a woman.
- Syed Mohammad Ashan Taqvi, 65 – Charged with three counts of rape of a girl under 16.
- Mohammad Sheikh Abdul Hannan, 54 – Charged with two counts of rape of a woman aged 16 or over, one count of indecent assault on a woman over 16, three counts of aiding and abetting rape, and two counts of conspiracy to rape a woman aged 16 or over.
- Kevin Lawrence, 54 – Charged with two counts of conspiracy to rape a woman aged 16 or over and one count of causing the prostitution of a woman.
- Sheikh Mohammed Tahir Ullah, 73 – Charged with one count of rape of a woman aged 16 or over and one count of rape of a girl under 16.
- Aminur Rahman Chowdhury, 58 – Charged with one count of rape of a woman aged 16 or over.
- Shakeel Babur, 58 – Charged with four counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16.
- Murad Ali, 57 – Charged with two counts of rape of a girl under 16.
The allegations remain before the courts, and none of the charges have been proven.
What Happens Next?
All eight defendants are expected to appear before Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24, where the criminal proceedings will formally begin.
The case will continue through the judicial process, during which prosecutors must present evidence to support the allegations while the defendants retain the legal presumption of innocence unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Summary
Eight men have been charged with 34 offences, including 17 counts of rape, following Gwent Police’s long-running Operation Oak investigation into alleged historical child sexual exploitation in south Wales between 1985 and 1996.
The case involves eight victims who were children at the time of the alleged offences.
Police and prosecutors have urged the public not to publish material that could prejudice the ongoing court proceedings, while encouraging anyone affected by child abuse to come forward and seek support.
