Seven Afghan refugees have been accused of being part of a grooming gang and charged with rape and child sex abuse offences, police said. The men were charged as part of an investigation into group-based child sexual exploitation in Norwich, Norfolk Police said.

They are accused of sexual offences committed between August 2023 and May 2025, the force added. The Afghan nationals are due to appear before Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Friday. Superintendent Craig Miller said: "I know this news will be shocking to our communities.

"This type of case is very upsetting, and I want people living and working in Norwich, as well as the wider communities of Norfolk, to know that we will do everything possible to protect children from abuse and exploitation."

Jamil Khalil, 20, of High Street, Dumbarton, Scotland, is charged with seven counts of rape, one count of human trafficking and one count of conspiracy to commit child sexual abuse.

Ahmadin Ahmadzai, 21, of Pottergate, Norwich, is charged with nine counts of rape, one count of human trafficking, two counts of conspiracy to commit child sexual abuse and one count of perverting the course of justice.

Qais Kaker, 20, of Black Horse Opening, Norwich, is charged with four counts of rape, one count of human trafficking, two counts of conspiracy to commit child sexual abuse and one count of perverting the course of justice.

Fazal Auryakhel, 20, of Eleanor Road, Norwich, is charged with one count of rape. Mohammed Farooq Sinwary, 23, of St Benedicts Street, Norwich, is charged with two counts of rape.

Ali Ahamad, 21, of Barnards Yard, Norwich, is charged with one count of rape and three counts of human trafficking.

Sayed Wahid Daviodzai, 20, of St Benedicts Street, Norwich, is charged with four counts of rape and one count of conspiracy to commit child sexual abuse.

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