ABDULHAMID MINOYEE AND NEWCASTLE SEX ABUSE RING: SHOCKING CONVICTIONS IN THE WEST END

A disturbing case of systematic sexual exploitation has culminated in the conviction of 18 individuals involved in a heinous abuse network operating within Newcastle. The victims, some as young as 14, were subjected to a calculated campaign of manipulation, where they were first lured with promises of friendship and attention, only to be later exploited through alcohol and drug-fueled parties. This organized operation, described in court as a 'cynical organisation,' preyed on vulnerable girls over a period spanning from 2011 to 2014.

During the course of four separate trials, a total of 20 young women provided harrowing testimonies that detailed their experiences. The proceedings involved 26 defendants, who faced over 100 charges collectively, including rape, supplying drugs, conspiracy to incite prostitution, trafficking, and sexual assault. The defendants hailed from diverse backgrounds, including Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Indian, Iraqi, Iranian, and Turkish communities, with most being British-born residents of Newcastle’s West End.

Of the 26 accused, four have already been sentenced to prison, while the remaining individuals await their sentencing next month. Among those convicted is AbdulHamid Minoyee, a 33-year-old man from Gainsborough Grove, who was found guilty of multiple serious charges, including rape, sexual assault, and drug supply. His conviction underscores the severity of the crimes committed within this network.

An unsettling revelation during the court proceedings was that police had paid a convicted child rapist, Bahmani Ahmadi, a sum of £10,000 as an informant, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation. The victims initially believed the perpetrators’ attention was benign, but their trust was shattered as they were lured into parties—referred to as 'sessions'—where alcohol and drugs, notably mephedrone (or M-Kat), were readily available. Coffee tables at these gatherings often had bags of M-Kat left openly for the girls to help themselves, facilitating their intoxication and vulnerability.

The parties took place at various locations around the West End, including the top floor of a tower block known as Todd's Nook. One teenage girl recounted being raped three times at this particular venue. Prosecutors described how the victims were systematically passed between their abusers, making them the 'vulnerable victims of an organized, cynical, systematic organisation.' Many victims testified that they were too intoxicated to resist, while others became addicted and felt compelled to perform sexual acts in exchange for drugs.

One victim described attending approximately 60 parties, highlighting the extent of her exploitation. Another recounted being taken to an address where she encountered two older men and a woman, who appeared 'frightened and scared, like a slave.' She explained, 'They told us what she would do for them for money and drugs or she'd get battered.' A different victim admitted that she knew that if she wanted drugs or alcohol, she would have to engage in sexual acts, with one victim stating, '[He] had us too intoxicated to fight him off. One time, [he] locked the door. I was told I would only be allowed out if I had sex.'

In response to these crimes, Northumbria Police launched Operation Sanctuary in December 2013, an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against girls and young women. The operation remains ongoing, having resulted in 461 arrests, with police speaking to 703 potential complainants and identifying 278 victims to date. Due to the investigation's scale, it was divided into several spin-off operations, including Operation Shelter, which uncovered groups of men in the West End of Newcastle who exploited vulnerable young women over a four-year period.

This investigation led to multiple trials, the first beginning in September 2015, with the most recent concluding recently, allowing previous reporting restrictions to be lifted. The case also revealed that a police officer was dismissed for failing to investigate a sex offender’s phone, related to an earlier phase of Operation Sanctuary. Chief Constable Steve Ashman emphasized that the police force has adopted a zero-tolerance approach, stating, 'We have not and will not stop. There has been no political correctness here. These are criminals and there has been no hesitation in arresting them and targeting them using all the means at our disposal.'

Among the convicted individuals, Mohammed Azram, 35, from Croydon Road, was found guilty of conspiracy to incite prostitution, sexual assault, and supplying drugs. Jahangir Zaman, 43, of Hadrian Road, was convicted of similar charges, including rape and drug supply. Nashir Uddin, 35, of Joan Street, faced convictions for conspiracy to incite prostitution and drug supply. Saiful Islam, 34, of Strathmore Crescent, received a ten-year prison sentence for rape. Mohammed Hassan Ali, 33, from Bentinck Street, was sentenced to seven years for sexual activity with a child and drug offenses.

AbdulHamid Minoyee, the central figure in this case, was convicted of rape, sexual assault, and drug supply. His involvement highlights the organized nature of the exploitation ring. Other notable convictions include Carolann Gallon, 22, who pleaded guilty to trafficking, and Eisa Mousavi, 41, of Todds Nook, who was convicted of conspiracy to incite prostitution, rape, and drug supply. The court also sentenced several others, including Badrul Hussain, 37, and Prabhat Choudhury, 33, for their roles in the criminal enterprise.

Sarah, a 19-year-old victim who was in local authority care, provided a stark account of her experiences. She described being repeatedly abused by older men and reported her assault by AbdulMinoyee in early 2014. Her testimony prompted police to investigate further, leading to the identification of a broader scale of abuse involving multiple victims aged 14 and 15. These girls recounted being driven into Newcastle, intoxicated with alcohol and cocaine, then raped and beaten by groups of men before being returned home with money in hand.

In response to these crimes, Newcastle City Council has initiated a serious case review, which is scheduled for publication in December. Council leader Nick Forbes condemned the acts, calling them 'vile crimes committed by evil men,' and praised the victims for their bravery. Chief Constable Ashman reaffirmed the police’s commitment to relentless pursuit of justice, emphasizing that the force would continue to target such offenders without hesitation. The case underscores the ongoing challenge of tackling organized sexual exploitation and protecting vulnerable young women in Newcastle.