A ninth man has been charged as part of an investigation into historical child sexual exploitation in Wales, with a court date set for July 24. Mohammed Ramzan, 76, is the latest person to be charged after police made eight other arrests across the UK, including in Birmingham, Newport, Swansea, London, Lancashire, Edinburgh, and Argyll and Bute in Scotland.
41 Charges Brought Against Nine Men
Forty-one charges were brought against the nine men in total. Ramzan, arrested on Friday, July 17, has been charged with seven offences including multiple counts of rape. Shafaq Mohammed, 58, of Birmingham, was previously charged with 11 offences, including four counts of rape of a female under 16, three counts of rape of a female aged 16 years or over, two counts of aiding and abetting the rape of a female under 16, causing the prostitution of a girl under 16, and causing the prostitution of a woman.
Investigation into Historical Abuse Between 1985 and 1996
Gwent Police said it had launched an investigation into allegations made by several women of sexual abuse committed against them as children between 1985 and 1996. The accused, aged between 54 and 76, are all British citizens and are due to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
Police Urge Public Not to Post on Social Media
Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Tuck said: "We continue to support the victims in this case alongside specialist agencies. I understand that investigations of this nature can cause concern in our communities. However, it is vital for the victims in this case, and for the integrity of the investigation, that nothing is posted on social media that could affect the court proceedings. Anyone who reports child abuse will be taken seriously. We urge anyone who has experienced abuse, or who is concerned that someone may be suffering, to come forward. We will listen, investigate all offences and make sure you can access the help and support you need."
Full List of Charges
The nine men charged are:
- Mohammed Ramzan, 76, of Newport: two counts of rape of a female under 16, three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16, causing the prostitution of a girl under 16, and conspiring to rape a girl under 16.
- Shafaq Mohammed, 58, of Birmingham: four counts of rape of a female under 16, three counts of rape of a female aged 16 or over, two counts of aiding and abetting the rape of a female under 16, causing the prostitution of a girl under 16, and causing the prostitution of a woman.
- Syed Mohammad Ashan Taqvi, 65, of Newport: three counts of rape of a female under 16.
- Mohammed Sheikh Abdul Hannan, 54, of Edinburgh: two counts of rape of a female aged 16 or over, one count of indecent assault on a woman over 16, three counts of aiding and abetting the rape of a female under 16 or over, and two counts of conspiring to rape a woman aged 16 or over.
- Kevin Lawrence, 54, of Dunoon: two counts of conspiring to rape a woman aged 16 or over and causing the prostitution of a woman.
- Sheikh Mohammed Tahir Ullah, 73, of Newport: one count of rape of a female aged 16 or over and one count of rape of a female under 16.
- Aminur Rahman Chowdhury, 58, of Tottenham, London: one count of rape of a female aged 16 or over.
- Shakeel Babur, 58, of Lancashire: four counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16.
- Murad Ali, 57, of Swansea: two counts of rape of a female under 16.
The defendants are all due to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on July 24.
