Seven Afghan men deny several counts of child sexual exploitation
They've all pleaded not guilty to several counts of rape
Seven Afghan refugees, accused of being part of a grooming gang, have denied several counts of rape.
Norfolk Police said the men were charged as part of an investigation into group-based child sexual exploitation, in Norwich.
The men, who are accused of sexual offences committed between August 2023 and May 2025, pleaded not guilty to all 38 counts, during a hearing at Norwich Crown Court on Friday and were remanded in custody.
The charges relate to two victims, who were aged in their early to mid-teens at the time of the alleged offences, police previously said.
The defendants are charged as follows:
– Jamil Khalili, 20, is charged with seven counts of rape, one count of human trafficking and one count of conspiracy to rape.
– Ahmadin Ahmadzai, 21, is charged with nine counts of rape, one count of human trafficking, two counts of conspiracy to rape and one count of perverting the course of justice.
– Qais Kaker, 20, is charged with four counts of rape, one count of human trafficking and one count of conspiracy to rape.
– Fazal Auryakhel, 20, is charged with one count of rape.
– Mohammed Shinwary, 23, is charged with two counts of rape.
– Ali Ahamad, 21, is charged with one count of rape and three counts of human trafficking.
– Sayed Wahid Davodzai, 20, is charged with four counts of rape and one count of conspiracy to rape.
The men were told they would go on trial on January 11 2027, but this date may slip back given the nature and extent of the evidence in the case.
Police previously said five of the men had entered the country via small boat, one concealed in a lorry and the seventh attempted to enter the UK clandestinely, via Portsmouth ferry port.
Irish police, An Garda SÃochána, have arrested an eighth suspect in Ireland and legal processes are underway to seek the 19 year-old man’s return to the UK.
Norfolk Police said none of the charged men have lived at asylum hotels in Norfolk and none of the alleged offending happened in asylum hotels.