Seven Afghan nationals have been charged with rape and child sexual abuse offences in Norwich, sparking a protest in the city. The men are accused of being part of a grooming gang, with offences allegedly committed between August 2023 and May 2025.
Norfolk police said five of the defendants entered the UK via small boats, one concealed in a lorry, and the seventh attempted to enter clandestinely via Portsmouth ferry port. The charges include multiple counts of rape, human trafficking, and conspiracy to commit child sexual abuse.
The defendants appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court on Friday and were remanded in custody until a plea hearing at Norwich Crown Court on 19 June. The charges relate to two alleged victims aged in their early to mid-teens.
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 to know that we will do everything possible to protect children from abuse and exploitation.'
Police raided seven addresses on Wednesday, six in Norwich and one in Dumbarton, Scotland, leading to seven arrests. An eighth suspect was arrested in Ireland and is sought for return to the UK.
The minister for safeguarding, Natalie Fleet, said: 'These are hideous cases and the fact that the suspects arrived through illegal routes only underlines their shocking nature.' Norfolk police confirmed none of the charged men lived in asylum hotels and no alleged offending occurred in such hotels.
