Key facts
- Eight men have been charged with rape and child sexual abuse offenses.
- The charges relate to organized grooming gang activity in South Wales.
- The alleged offenses occurred between 1985 and 1996.
- Shafaq Mohammed, Syed Mohammed Ashan Taqvi, Mohammed Sheikh Abdul Hannan, Kevin Lawrence, Sheikh Mohammed Tahir Ullah, Aminur Rahman Chowdhury, Shakeel Babur, and Murad Ali are the accused.
- The Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charges based on evidence from a Gwent Police investigation.
Eight men have been charged by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with rape and child sexual abuse offenses following an investigation by Gwent Police into organized grooming gang activity in South Wales. The alleged offending occurred between 1985 and 1996.
The accused are Shafaq Mohammed, 58; Syed Mohammed Ashan Taqvi, 65; Mohammed Sheikh Abdul Hannan, 54; Kevin Lawrence, 54; Sheikh Mohammed Tahir Ullah, 73; Aminur Rahman Chowdhury, 58; Shakeel Babur, 58; and Murad Ali, 57.
Shafaq Mohammed faces 11 charges, including rape and child sexual abuse. Syed Mohammed Ashan Taqvi is charged with three counts of rape. Mohammed Sheikh Abdul Hannan is charged with eight counts of child sexual abuse, including rape. Kevin Lawrence faces three counts of child sexual abuse. Sheikh Mohammed Tahir Ullah is charged with two counts of rape. Aminur Rahman Chowdhury is charged with one count of rape. Shakeel Babur is charged with four counts of indecent assault. Murad Ali is charged with two counts of rape.
Jenny Hopkins, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, stated that prosecutors have determined there is sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal proceedings, deeming it in the public interest. Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Tuck of Gwent Police described the investigation, codenamed 'Operation Oak,' as complex and long-running, emphasizing the support provided to victims and urging the public to avoid any commentary that could prejudice the active court proceedings.
The defendants are scheduled for their first hearing at Newport Magistrates Court on July 24, 2026. Both the CPS and Gwent Police stressed the importance of fair trial rights and the need to prevent prejudice to the ongoing legal process.