Eight men have been charged after a long-running Gwent Police inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation covering alleged offences between 1985 and 1996. Two of the defendants are from Scotland and all eight are due to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
Officers carried out a coordinated arrest operation on Tuesday across several parts of the UK, detaining suspects in Newport, Swansea, London, Birmingham, Lancashire, Edinburgh and Argyll and Bute. The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a total of 34 charges, among them 17 counts of rape.
What the charges say
The investigation, known as Operation Oak, stems from reports made by women who say they were sexually abused as children. The alleged offending dates from 1985 to 1996 and involves men now aged between 54 and 73.
Prosecutors have laid a range of counts that include multiple alleged rapes, indecent assault and offences connected to conspiring to commit sexual offences. All defendants have been charged, bailed and are scheduled to appear in court later this month.
| Name | Age | Principal charges (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Sheikh Abdul Hannan | 54 | Alleged multiple sexual offences including counts of rape, indecent assault and conspiracy |
| Kevin Lawrence | 54 | Conspiracy to rape (two counts) and causing the prostitution of a woman |
| Shafaq Mohammedm | 58 | Charges related to the wider Operation Oak inquiry |
| Syed Mohammad Ashan Taqvi | 65 | Charges linked to historic child sexual abuse allegations |
| Sheikh Mohammed Tahir Ullah | 73 | Accused as part of the group investigation |
| Aminur Rahman Chowdhury | 58 | Named in CPS-authorised charges arising from the probe |
| Shakeel Babur | 58 | Alleged offences connected to historic abuse victims’ accounts |
| Murad Ali | 57 | Included in the list of charges brought by prosecutors |
Police response and victim support
Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Tuck described Operation Oak as a “complex and long-running” probe into group-based child sexual exploitation in south Wales, stressing that supporting victims has been central to the inquiry. He said specialist agencies remain involved to provide help to those affected.
Police have also urged the public to avoid sharing material online that could prejudice court proceedings, warning that social media commentary might undermine the integrity of the case and the rights of those involved.
Prosecutors: evidence and public interest
The Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the investigation and concluded there is sufficient evidence to bring charges, and that prosecution is in the public interest, a senior CPS official said. The authority reiterated that the defendants are entitled to a fair trial and cautioned against reporting or commentary that could prejudice the proceedings.
- Court date: All eight defendants are bailed to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
- Scope: Allegations relate to abuse allegedly carried out between 1985 and 1996.
- Charges authorised: 34 counts, including 17 rape charges.
If you have information relevant to the investigation or need support, local police forces and specialist victim services can offer help and guidance. Authorities say anyone affected by child sexual abuse will be taken seriously and are being encouraged to come forward.
The case remains active and further details will be disclosed through court processes as it progresses.
Hi, I’m Benjamin, a member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a passion for writing and a deep interest in current affairs, I thoroughly enjoy bringing you the latest news and trends that affect our daily lives.
