Police have launched an urgent manhunt for a convicted child sex trafficker who disappeared after being granted bail and was last seen in a UK city.
Sharam Muhamadi, 21, was found guilty in his absence on Tuesday, June 9, of two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation. He failed to appear at Sheffield Crown Court for his trial, which began on Monday, May 18.
Muhamadi had been held in custody between his charge and the start of the trial but vanished after his defence team's bail application was approved. South Yorkshire Police stated they had been searching for him ever since but were unable to appeal to the public until after the trial due to reporting restrictions.
His last known sighting was in Birmingham on May 18, the day his trial commenced. He was seen in the city centre before traveling to the Coventry Road and Small Heath Park area, where the trail went cold.
South Yorkshire Police said: "Enquiries have established that Muhamadi has links to the West Midlands area, and we know he travelled to Birmingham New Street Station via train between Saturday 16 and Monday 18 May. Our officers rushed to the Birmingham area where, working alongside West Midlands Police, they have conducted extensive enquiries over multiple days – patrolling the streets, officers have shown his photo to members of the public."
The last confirmed sighting was at around 9pm on May 18 in Birmingham city centre. He then took a taxi towards Coventry Road and the Small Heath Park area, southeast of the city.
Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett said: "Our priority has been and will continue to be securing full justice for the victims tragically involved. They have shown commendable bravery throughout our full investigation and the complex trial which followed. We are wholly focussed on finding Muhamadi and ensuring he faces the consequences of his actions."
Officers have examined hours of CCTV footage and phone records. Barnett added: "We believe he is still in the country, but if he is found abroad, we will seek the Government's help in doing everything we can to extradite him. We will not stop until we find him, and we will ensure these young girls get the justice they deserve."
Anyone with information is urged to contact South Yorkshire Police or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
