Major Child Exploitation Investigation Leads to Multiple Charges
Seven men have been formally charged with more than 40 alleged offences against eleven teenage girls as part of a significant child sexual exploitation investigation in Bristol. The men appeared before Bristol Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, marking a crucial development in a case that police have described as involving "group-based child sexual exploitation."
Detailed Charges and Police Response
The investigation, launched by Avon and Somerset Police in November 2023, began after concerns were raised about the exploitation of one teenage girl. It has since uncovered allegations spanning from 2022 to 2025, with all victims being in their mid- to late teens at the time of the alleged incidents.
The charged individuals and their specific allegations are:
- Mohamed Arafe, 19, of Speedwell: Five counts of arranging/facilitating child sexual exploitation, inciting sexual exploitation, sexual assault, and drug supply charges.
- Sina Omari, 20, of Fishponds: Two counts of rape, four counts of arranging/facilitating exploitation, inciting exploitation, making indecent images of a child, and drug supply.
- Wadie Sharaf, 21, of Redland: One count of rape, attempted rape, three counts of sexual assault, and sexual activity with a child.
- Hussain Bashar, 19, of Southmead: One count of rape.
- Mohammed Kurdi, 21, of Henbury: Two counts of rape, two counts of arranging/facilitating exploitation, and supplying drugs.
- A 19-year-old man (unnamed for legal reasons): Four counts of rape, arranging/facilitating exploitation, distributing an indecent image, and drug supply.
- A 26-year-old man (unnamed for legal reasons): Two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Ongoing Community Efforts
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Herbert, the senior investigating officer, emphasised that this remains a complex and sensitive investigation focused on protecting young people. "This investigation has the protection of young girls from exploitation and the disruption of offending at its very heart," he stated.
Superintendent Deepak Kenth highlighted the force's proactive community engagement, saying: "Working with our partner agencies, we've held events in Bristol city centre and continue to work with hotels, taxi drivers, and other businesses to raise awareness about the signs of exploitation and the need to report any concerns."
The case continues to develop as authorities work to support the victims and ensure a thorough judicial process.
