UMVA has learned that a shocking case of alleged grooming gang activity has led to the arrest and charging of seven Afghan migrants with serious offenses, including rape, child sexual abuse, and human trafficking, in a major police investigation in Norwich.
The men, who entered the UK illegally or attempted to do so, are accused of committing heinous crimes against two alleged victims, both girls in their early to mid-teens at the time, between August 2023 and May 2025.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the suspects arrived in the UK through various means, including small boats, a lorry, and a clandestine attempt to enter through Portsmouth ferry port.
The seven Afghan migrants, whose ages range from 19 to 23, appeared before Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Friday and were remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing at Norwich Crown Court on June 19.
Jamil Khalil, 20, faces seven counts of rape, one count of human trafficking, and conspiracy to commit child sexual abuse, while Ahmadin Ahmadzai, 21, is charged with nine rape charges, human trafficking, conspiracy to commit child sexual abuse, and perverting the course of justice.
The other suspects, including Qais Kaker, 20, Fazal Auryakhel, 20, Mohammed Farooq Sinwary, 23, Ali Ahamad, 21, and Sayed Wahid Daviodzai, 20, face various charges, including multiple counts of rape, human trafficking, and conspiracy offenses.
Police carried out coordinated raids at seven properties on Wednesday, six in Norwich and one in Dumbarton, Scotland, and an eighth suspect, a 19-year-old man, was arrested in Ireland by Gardaí on Friday, with legal proceedings underway to return him to the UK.
Superintendent Craig Miller said the news would be shocking to their communities, but police emphasized that none of the suspects had lived in asylum hotels in Norfolk, and none of the alleged offenses took place in asylum accommodation.
The investigation began in September 2023 after a disclosure from one of the alleged victims, and all defendants remain in custody as criminal proceedings continue.
