Seven men in 'Norfolk grooming gang' charged with rape and child sex offences

The offences allegedly occurred between August 2023 and May 2025.

The 40 charges relate to two victims, who were aged in their early-to-mid teens at the time of the alleged offences.

All seven men charged have an immigration status of "refugee" and are Afghan nationals.

Five of the men charged arrived in the UK via a small boat between 2021 and 2022, with one entering the country concealed on a lorry and the other via Portsmouth ferry port.

None of them had lived in asylum hotels in Norfolk, and none of the offending in these cases occurred in asylum hotels.

The charges stem from a Norfolk Police investigation that began in September 2023 after a disclosure from a young girl.

During the investigation, multiple arrests have been made, initially in 2023 and most recently in February this year.

Six of the men charged with offences today have been arrested previously in connection with this investigation.

Officers worked closely with partners, including Norfolk County Council’s Children’s Services and the Crown Prosecution Service, to build the evidential case.

The team also worked with trauma-informed support services to safeguard and support those affected.

Jenny Hopkins, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service's Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute seven men with rape and child sexual abuse charges for alleged offending during August 2023 to May 2025 - following a Norfolk Police Constabulary investigation into organised grooming gang activity in the county.

"Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

"We have worked closely with the Norfolk Constabulary as they carried out their investigation. We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.

"It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Det Supt Stacey Murray, who is leading the investigation, said: "At the heart of our investigation and at the forefront of our minds are the victims. Their safety and wellbeing are our primary concern and our priority.

"I want to reassure everyone that we are being meticulous in our approach to this investigation. A dedicated team continues to work solely on this to examine every available line of inquiry and gather evidence, while respecting the traumatic experiences of the victims."

"We know from our work with the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) that victims may choose if, when, or whether to come forward. The investigation and justice process can feel overwhelming, and risk may still be present.

"What matters is that, when they are ready, victims know they will be listened to, believed and supported."

Norwich Superintendent Craig Miller said: "I know this news will be shocking to our communities. This type of case is very upsetting, and I want people living and working in Norwich, as well as the wider communities of Norfolk, to know that we will do everything possible to protect children from abuse and exploitation.

"The Phoenix Project, for example, was launched as a direct result of this investigation to build on the support already available to children and young people. It brings together police, Children’s Services and health colleagues in one team to safeguard children at risk outside the home and keep them safe.

"We will have officers in the city and the wider Norwich communities over the next few weeks to provide reassurance. Please approach them if you feel concerned or worried."

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Natalie Fleet, said: "These are hideous cases and the fact that the suspects arrived through illegal routes only underlines their shocking nature. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.

"Anyone convicted of these crimes must face the full force of the law, and this government is clear that vile foreign criminals have no place in the UK.

"The grooming gangs scandal is one of this country’s greatest failures. We will do everything in our power to protect vulnerable girls and not allow victims to be ignored like so many were previously.

"We thank the police in Norfolk for their extensive work in this investigation, and they have our full support as that continues.”

FULL DETAILS BELOW

Ahmadin Ahmadzai, 20, of Pottergate, Norwich. He is Afghan and his self-defined ethnicity is "Any other White Background". He has been charged with nine counts of rape, two counts of conspiracy to rape, one count of facilitate human trafficking, one count of perverting the course of justice. He entered the country concealed on a lorry on 24 June 2020. His immigration status is "refugee".

Jamil Khalili, 20, of High Street, Dumbarton, Scotland. He is Afghan and his self-defined ethnicity is "Any Other Mixed Background". He is charged with seven counts of rape, one count of conspiracy to rape and one count of facilitate human trafficking. He entered the country via small boat on 23 March 2021. His immigration status is "refugee".

Fazal Auryakhel, 20, of Eleanor Road, Norwich. He is Afghan and his self-defined ethnicity is "Arab". He is charged with one count of rape. He entered the country via small boat on 26 February 2022. His immigration status is "refugee".

Qais Kaker, 20, of Black Horse Opening, Norwich. He is Afghan. His self-defined ethnicity is "Any Other Asian Background". He is charged with four counts of rape, one count of conspiracy to rape and one count of facilitate human trafficking. He entered the country via small boat on 4 September 2022. His immigration status is "refugee".

Mohammed Farooq Shinwary, 20, of St Benedicts St, Norwich. He is Afghan and his self-defined ethnicity is "Any other Asian background". He is charged with two counts of rape. He entered the country via small boat on 28 May 2021. His immigration status is "refugee".

Ali Ahamad, 21, of Pelham Rd, Norwich. He is Afghan and his self-defined ethnicity is "Any Other White Background". He is charged with one count of rape, three counts of facilitate human trafficking. He attempted to enter the UK clandestinely via Portsmouth ferry port on 4 May 2021. His immigration status is "refugee".

Sayed Wahid Davodzai, 20, of St Benedicts St, Norwich. He is Afghan and his self-defined ethnicity is "Any other Asian background". He is charged with four counts of rape and one count of conspiracy to rape. He entered the country via small boat on 9 October 2022. His immigration status is "refugee".

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