Seven men charged over child sexual exploitation

Seven men have been formally charged with a combined total of 40 offences connected to an investigation into child exploitation carried out by a group. The accused are all Afghan nationals, six aged 20 and one aged 21, and were arrested following coordinated raids on six properties in Norwich and one in Dumbarton, Scotland.

The allegations involve two girls, both in their early to mid-teens during the incidents, which reportedly took place between August 2023 and May 2025 in Norwich. When appearing before magistrates in Norwich, all seven men confirmed only their names. According to Norfolk Police, the men hold refugee status.

Further details on their entry into the UK reveal that five of the defendants arrived by small boats, one was hidden inside a lorry, and another entered via a port. The investigation continues to expand, with an eighth man aged 19 having been arrested in Ireland on Friday as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Natalie Fleet, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, condemned the offences and the means by which the suspects entered the country, stating: “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.”

All seven men remain in custody and are scheduled to appear at Norwich Crown Court on June 19. Their charges vary but include multiple counts of rape, conspiracy to rape, facilitating human trafficking, and perverting the course of justice. Detective Superintendent Stacey Murray, leading the investigation on behalf of Norfolk Police, emphasized that the inquiry is proceeding with thoroughness: “I want to reassure everyone that we are being meticulous in our approach to this investigation.

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