Seven Afghan nationals appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court last Friday charged with a total of 40 offences, including multiple rapes, human trafficking, and conspiracy to commit child sexual abuse.
The men, all seeking asylum, are accused of targeting two girls in their early-to-mid teens in Norwich between August 2023 and May 2025. None were living in asylum hotels.
Jamil Khalil, 21, of Dumbarton, Scotland, faces seven counts of rape plus trafficking and conspiracy charges. Others including Ahmadin Ahmadzai, 21, and Qais Kaker, 20, face multiple rape and related counts.
Five entered the UK via small boats; the others arrived clandestinely. They were remanded in custody and will appear at Norwich Crown Court on June 19.
