Seven men charged in child sexual exploitation probe

Seven men are due to appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court later

Seven men have been charged with more than 40 offences as part of an investigation into child sexual exploitation involving 11 victims.

The men, aged 19-26, were arrested on Tuesday in a targeted police operation in Bristol. All seven appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The victims were all teenagers at the time of the alleged offences, which reportedly occurred between 2022 and 2025.

It follows a two-year investigation which began in November 2023 after concerns were raised about the sexual exploitation of a teenage girl.

Det Ch Insp Tom Herbert, the senior investigating officer, said this was a "complex and sensitive investigation which has the protection of young girls from exploitation at its very heart".

"Working with our partners, we've ensured the most appropriate safeguarding measures and support has been made available to each victim to protect them from harm.

"Officers have been working around the clock to identify potential offences and we've worked extremely closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to reach this highly significant stage," he added.

Sexual exploitation charges

Avon and Somerset Police has given the following details relating to the charges:

• Hussain Bashar, 19, who is British and lives in Southmead, Bristol, has been charged with one count of rape.

• Mohamed Arafe, 19, who is Syrian and lives in Speedwell, Bristol, has been charged with sexual assault, causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, and five counts of arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child. He also faces charges relating to the supply of cocaine and ecstasy.

• Sina Omari, 20, who is Iranian and lives in Fishponds, Bristol, is charged with two counts of rape, four counts of arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, making an indecent photograph of a child, and supplying Class A drug charges.

• Wadie Sharaf, 21, who is Syrian and lives in Redland, Bristol, is also accused of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and sexual activity with a child.

• Mohammed Kurdi, 21, who is British and lives in Henbury, Bristol, has been charged with two counts of rape, two counts of arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, supplying ecstasy and cannabis.

• Sardam Ahmed, 19, who is Iraqi, has been charged with four counts of rape, arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, distributing an indecent photograph of a child, and being concerned in the supply of ecstasy and cannabis.

• Ihab Al-Eisawi, who is Egyptian and lives in Fishponds, Bristol, has been charged with two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

None of the defendants entered any pleas to the charges, and all seven were denied bail.

They are next due to appear at Bristol Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 17 December.

'Huge shock'

Spt Deepak Kenth, from Avon and Somerset Police, said neighbourhood officers have been supporting the investigation since these offences were first identified.

"We know this update will be a huge shock to our communities and I want to reassure everyone that we'll continue to work tirelessly to protect children from abuse and exploitation," he said.

"Working with our partner agencies, we've held events in Bristol city centre and continue to work with hotels, taxi drivers, and other businesses, to raise awareness about the signs of exploitation and the need to report any concerns or issues to the police."

Dep Ch James Bolton-Smith, lead of the organised child sexual abuse unit at the CPS, said they worked hard to establish that there was sufficient evidence for the charges and that it was in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

"We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspects are active and they have a right to a fair trial.

"It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings," he said.

Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody said a dedicated appeal page has been set up for the public to submit any information relating to the case.

"My thoughts are with the victims of these very serious crimes," she added. "Their courage in coming forward must be met with sensitivity and specialist support."