Seven men allegedly part of a grooming gang in Norfolk have been charged with dozens of rape and child sex abuse offences, the Crown Prosecution Service said.A spokesperson for Norfolk Constabulary said the men, who are Afghan nationals and refugees, are accused of sexual offences committed between August 2023 and May 2025 in Norwich. The men will appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Friday.The charges follow a co-ordinated police operation held on Wednesday when officers raided seven addresses, six in Norwich and one in Dumbarton, Scotland, that led to seven men being arrested.A force spokesperson added officers from the Garda Siochana arrested an eighth suspect, a 19-year-old man, in Ireland on Friday morning, shortly after 7am. They added that “appropriate legal processes will now be followed” to seek his return to the UK.The men charged are: Ahmadin Ahmadzai, 20, of Pottergate, Norwich. He has been charged with nine counts of rape, two counts of conspiracy to rape, one count of facilitate human trafficking, one count of perverting the course of justice. Jamil Khalili, 20, of High Street, Dumbarton, Scotland. He is charged with seven counts of rape, one count of conspiracy to rape and one count of facilitate human trafficking. Fazal Auryakhel, 20, of Eleanor Road, Norwich. He is charged with one count of rape. Qais Kaker, 20, of Black Horse Opening, Norwich. He is charged with four counts of rape, one count of conspiracy to rape and one count of facilitating human trafficking. Mohammed Farooq Shinwary, 20, of St Benedicts St, Norwich. He is charged with two counts of rape. Ali Ahamad, 21, of Pelham Rd, Norwich. He is charged with one count of rape, three counts of facilitate human trafficking. Sayed Wahid Davodzai, 20, of St Benedicts St, Norwich. He is charged with four counts of rape and one count of conspiracy to rape. The men, who are Afghan nationals and refugees, will appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court (PA Archive)Det Supt Stacey Murray, who is leading the investigation, said: “At the heart of our investigation and at the forefront of our minds are the victims. Their safety and wellbeing are our primary concern and our priority.“I want to reassure everyone that we are being meticulous in our approach to this investigation. A dedicated team continues to work solely on this to examine every available line of inquiry and gather evidence, while respecting the traumatic experiences of the victims.”“We know from our work with the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) that victims may choose if, when, or whether to come forward. The investigation and justice process can feel overwhelming, and risk may still be present. What matters is that, when they are ready, victims know they will be listened to, believed and supported.”Norwich 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.“The Phoenix Project, for example, was launched as a direct result of this investigation to build on the support already available to children and young people. It brings together police, Children’s Services and health colleagues in one team to safeguard children at risk outside the home and keep them safe.“We will have officers in the city and the wider Norwich communities over the next few weeks to provide reassurance. Please approach them if you feel concerned or worried.”More to follow...