Bristol Child Exploitation Investigation: Seven men Charged with Over 40 Offences
Bristol, UK - Seven men have been charged with a total of more than 40 offences following a police investigation into child sexual exploitation within the city. The alleged offences occurred between 2022 and 2025, targeting eleven teenagers in their mid to late teens.
the investigation into claims of group-based sexual abuse began in late 2023, leading to initial arrests in April 2024. The men were re-detained yesterday and are scheduled to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court today.
Those charged are:
* Mohamed Arafe, 19, (Syrian): Six counts of child sexual exploitation and one count of sexual assault. He also faces two counts related to the supply of cocaine and ecstasy.
* sina Omari, 20, (Iranian): Two counts of rape, five counts of child sexual exploitation, and two counts of making an indecent photo of a child.He is also charged with two counts concerning the supply of cocaine and ecstasy.
* Wadie Sharaf, 21, (Syrian): One count of rape, one count of attempted rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of sexual activity with a child.
* Hussain bashar, 19, (British): One count of rape.
* Mohammed Kurdi, 21 (British): Two counts of rape, two counts of child sexual exploitation, and two counts related to the supply of ecstasy and cannabis.
* Unnamed 19-year-old man: Four counts of rape, one count of child sexual exploitation, one count of distributing an indecent photo of a child, and two counts concerning the supply of cocaine and ecstasy.
* Unnamed 26-year-old man: Two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Police confirmed that the five named defendants are all residents of Bristol.
Authorities state safeguarding measures and support services are in place for the victims.Superintendent Deepak Kenth acknowledged the case would be “a huge shock to our communities,” emphasizing the police commitment to combating child sexual exploitation. “We’ve held events in Bristol city center 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 or issues to the police,” he said.
The investigation unfolds as the national grooming gangs inquiry continues to seek a chairperson acceptable to survivors, following its announcement in June after a government U-turn.
