Seven Afghan migrants have been charged with rape, child sexual abuse, and human trafficking offenses as part of a major police investigation into alleged grooming gang activity in Norwich.
Norfolk Police said the men are accused of offenses committed between August 2023 and May 2025 against two alleged victims, both girls in their early to mid-teens at the time.
All seven suspects entered the UK illegally or attempted to do so.
According to the force, five arrived by small boat, one entered concealed in a lorry, and the seventh attempted clandestine entry through Portsmouth ferry port.
The men appeared before Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Friday and were remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing at Norwich Crown Court on June 19.
Jamil Khalil, 20, is charged with seven counts of rape, one count of human trafficking, and conspiracy to commit child sexual abuse.
Hellbound and Down 