Eighth suspect charged in Norwich child sexual exploitation case
Bilal Shinwari remanded ahead of plea hearing
Last updated 6th Jul 2026
An eighth man has been charged as part of a Norfolk Police investigation into group-based child sexual exploitation in Norwich.
Bilal Shinwari, aged 20, appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 4th July, facing charges of two counts of rape and conspiring to rape a girl under 16 between August 2023 and October 2023.
He is also charged with conspiring to rape a woman aged 16 or over between August 2023 and May 2025.
Shinwari had been in custody in Ireland following his arrest by Garda Siochana officers on 22nd May 2026 and was returned to the UK on Friday, 3rd July.
He was remanded into custody until a plea hearing scheduled at Norwich Crown Court for Friday, 31st July.
Shinwari, an asylum seeker born in Afghanistan, defines his ethnicity as ‘Any Other White Background.’ He entered the UK via a small boat on 28th November 2022.
The Home Office has confirmed his immigration details for publication.
Shinwari is the eighth suspect charged in the wider investigation, which previously saw seven men charged with 40 offences on 22nd May 2026.
The victims were in their early-to-mid teens at the time of the alleged occurrences.
The other seven defendants pleaded not guilty during their latest court appearance on 19th June 2026 and are awaiting a trial set for 11th January 2027.
These suspects are Afghan nationals and refugees; none resided in asylum hotels within Norfolk, nor were the offences committed there.
Norfolk Police urge anyone with information about the investigation to come forward.
Reports can be made online or via phone by calling 101, referencing Op Highwood26.
For emergencies, dial 999.
Support and advice for victims of child sexual abuse or exploitation can be found online.