🔴 SEVEN MEN CHARGED IN BRISTOL GROOMING GANG CASE
🔴 Seven men face more than 40 charges of child sexual exploitation following a Crown Prosecution Service authorisation in a major Bristol investigation.
The defendants, aged 19 to 26, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court this morning after re-arrests in a targeted operation on Tuesday.
Charges span alleged offences between 2022 and 2025 against 11 victims aged in their mid to late teens.
🔴 Mohamed Arafe, 19,
of Speedwell, Bristol, Syrian, self-defined ethnicity Arab, faces five counts of arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, one count of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, one count of sexual assault, one count of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and one count of being concerned in the supply of ecstasy.
🔴 Sina Omari, 20,
of Fishponds, Bristol, Iranian, self-defined ethnicity Arab, is charged with two counts of rape, four counts of arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, one count of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, two counts of making an indecent photograph of a child, one count of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and one count of being concerned in the supply of ecstasy.
🔴 Wadie Sharaf, 21,
Of Redland, Bristol, Syrian, self-defined ethnicity Arab, faces one count of rape, one count of attempted rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual activity with a child.
🔴 Hussain Bashar, 19,
Of Southmead, Bristol, British, self-defined ethnicity ‘Any other’, is charged with one count of rape.
🔴 Mohammed Kurdi, 21,
Of Henbury, Bristol, British, self-defined ethnicity Arab, faces two counts of rape, two counts of arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, one count of supplying a class A drug (ecstasy) and one count of supplying a class B drug (cannabis).
🔴 Sardam Ahmed, 19,
Of no fixed address, Iraqis, self-defined ethnicity ‘mixed white and Asian’, is charged with four counts of rape, one count of arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, one count of distributing an indecent photograph of a child, one count of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and one count of being concerned in the supply of ecstasy.
🔴 Ihab Al-Eisawi, 26,
Of Hillfields, Bristol, Egyptian, self-defined ethnicity ‘Any other Asian background’, faces two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The investigation began in November 2023 after concerns were raised about the sexual exploitation of a teenage girl.
Initial arrests occurred in April 2024 during a day of action in Bristol, with suspects released on bail pending further enquiries by a dedicated team.
A court ruling on Wednesday lifted reporting restrictions, allowing publication of the final two defendants’ identities.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Herbert, senior investigating officer, described the case as complex and sensitive, centred on protecting young girls from exploitation and disrupting offending.
He confirmed safeguarding measures and support were provided to each victim in partnership with other agencies.
Officers worked continuously to identify potential offences and collaborated closely with the CPS to reach charging stage.
Bristol Superintendent Deepak Kenth stated neighbourhood officers supported the investigation from the outset.
Partner agencies held awareness events in the city centre and engaged hotels, taxi drivers and businesses on recognising exploitation signs and reporting concerns.
Reassurance patrols continue across Bristol.
James Bolton-Smith, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor and lead of the CPS Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, confirmed prosecutors established sufficient evidence and public interest to proceed.
The CPS worked closely with Avon and Somerset Police throughout the investigation.
He reminded all parties that criminal proceedings are active and defendants retain the right to a fair trial.
