Seven Afghan refugees have been accused of being part of a grooming gang and charged with rape and child sex abuse offences, police said.
The men were charged as part of an investigation into group-based child sexual exploitation in Norwich, Norfolk Police said.
They are accused of sexual offences committed between August 2023 and May 2025, the force added.
The Afghan nationals appeared before Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
A courts service officer said that all seven defendants were bailed until a plea hearing at Norwich Crown Court on June 19.
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 men charged are:
- Ahmadin Ahmadzai, 20, of Pottergate, Norwich. 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.
- Jamil Khalili, 20, of High Street, Dumbarton, Scotland. He is charged with seven counts of rape, one count of conspiracy to rape and one count of facilitate human trafficking.
- Fazal Auryakhel, 20, of Eleanor Road, Norwich. He is charged with one count of rape.
- Qais Kaker, 20, of Black Horse Opening, Norwich. He is charged with four counts of rape, one count of conspiracy to rape and one count of facilitating human trafficking.
- Mohammed Farooq Shinwary, 20, of St Benedicts St, Norwich. He is charged with two counts of rape.
- Ali Ahamad, 21, of Pelham Rd, Norwich. He is charged with one count of rape, three counts of facilitate human trafficking.
- Sayed Wahid Davodzai, 20, of St Benedicts St, Norwich. He is charged with four counts of rape and one count of conspiracy to rape.
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.”
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.”
Officers are encouraging anyone with information about this investigation to come forward and share any details. People can call 101 and reference Op Highwood26 in your conversation.
