Seven men accused of child sexual exploitation

Seven men have been charged with more than 40 offenses as part of an investigation into group sexual exploitation of children.

The men, aged between 19 and 26, were arrested on Tuesday in a targeted police operation in Bristol and will appear later at Bristol Magistrates’ Court.

The charges concern 11 victims, all of whom were teenagers at the time of the alleged crimes, which allegedly occurred between 2022 and 2025.

It follows an investigation that began in November 2023 after concerns were raised about the sexual exploitation of a teenage girl.

Detective Tom Herbert, the senior investigator, said it was a “complex and sensitive investigation which has at its heart the protection of young girls from exploitation”.

“By working with our partners, we have ensured that the most appropriate safeguarding measures and support have been made available to each victim to protect them from harm.

“Officers have been working day and night to identify potential crimes and we have worked very closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to reach this significant stage,” he added.

Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed the following details relating to the charges:

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

• Mohamed Arafe, 19, Syrian and living in Speedwell, Bristol, has been charged with sexual assault, causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, and five counts of organizing 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, taking an indecent photograph of a child and supplying Class A drugs.

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

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

• A 19-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, 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 involved in the supply of ecstasy and cannabis.

• And a 26-year-old man, who also cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

Trooper Deepak Kenth, of Avon and Somerset Police, said officers in the neighborhood have been supporting the investigation since these crimes were first identified.

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

“Working with our partner agencies, we have held events in Bristol city center and continue to work with hotels, taxi drivers and other businesses to raise awareness of signs of exploitation and the need to report any concerns or issues to the police.”

James Bolton-Smith MP, leader of the CPS organized child sexual abuse unit, said they worked hard to establish there was sufficient evidence for charges and that it was in the public interest to bring criminal proceedings.

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

“It is vital that there are no online reports, comments or information sharing that could in any way undermine these proceedings,” he said.