BADRUL HUSSAIN INVOLVED IN SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE RING IN NEWCASTLE

A disturbing case of systematic exploitation and abuse has come to light in Newcastle, where 18 individuals have been convicted for their roles in a heinous network that targeted vulnerable young girls. The victims, some as young as 14 years old, were subjected to a calculated campaign of manipulation, drugging, and sexual assault by a group of offenders operating within the city’s West End.

According to court proceedings, the victims were initially approached with false friendliness and attention, which lured them into a false sense of security. These young girls were then enticed to attend parties, often referred to as "sessions," where they were offered alcohol and drugs, notably mephedrone, commonly known as M-Kat. Evidence presented in Newcastle Crown Court revealed that bags of M-Kat were deliberately left on coffee tables at these gatherings, allowing the girls to help themselves, further increasing their vulnerability.

The parties took place at various locations around the West End, including the upper floors of a tower block known as Todd's Nook. One teenage girl recounted being raped three times at this particular venue. Prosecutors described the victims as being passed between different abusers within an organized, cynical, and systematic operation designed to exploit their vulnerability. Many of the victims were so intoxicated that they could not defend themselves, and some became addicted, feeling compelled to perform sexual acts in exchange for drugs.

Testimonies from the victims painted a grim picture of coercion and abuse. One girl, who attended approximately 60 parties, described her experiences, while 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." Another victim admitted that she knew she had to comply with demands for sex if she wanted access to drugs or alcohol, with one girl 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 in the area. The operation has resulted in 461 arrests, with police speaking to 703 potential complainants and identifying 278 victims to date. The investigation was divided into several spin-off operations due to its scale.

One such operation, Operation Shelter, uncovered groups of men in the West End of Newcastle, many of whom knew each other, who exploited vulnerable young women over a period spanning from 2010 to 2014. This led to multiple trials, with the first beginning in September 2015 and the most recent concluding recently, allowing for the lifting of previous reporting restrictions.

Among the victims was a young woman named Sarah (not her real name), aged 19, who was particularly vulnerable and unable to care for herself. In early 2014, she reported to police that she had been raped by Abdul Minoyee. A police officer then conducted a tour of the West End to locate Minoyee’s residence and the locations where these parties had taken place. Sarah’s testimony was a red flag, indicating a much larger scale of abuse. Her information was corroborated days later when two girls in care, aged 14 and 15, reported being repeatedly raped by a group of older Asian men. These girls described being driven into Newcastle, intoxicated with alcohol and cocaine, and then assaulted and beaten by multiple men before being returned home with money.

It was also revealed that one of the victims was in local authority care at the time. Newcastle City Council has initiated a serious case review, which is scheduled for publication in December. Council leader Nick Forbes condemned the crimes, stating, "These were vile crimes committed by evil men. The victims... have been brave beyond belief and undoubtedly have made our city safer."

Chief Constable Steve Ashman emphasized the police’s unwavering commitment to tackling such crimes, asserting, "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."

As reporting restrictions are now lifted, it has been disclosed that a police officer was dismissed for failing to investigate a sex offender’s phone during an earlier phase of Operation Sanctuary. This failure was linked to the conviction of Bahmani Ahmadi, and Chief Constable Ashman stated that the officer’s dismissal reflects a shift in police culture towards greater diligence and accountability.

Regarding the convictions, the court sentenced 17 men and one woman, with four individuals receiving custodial sentences. Notably, Badrul Hussain, of Drybeck Court, was convicted of drug offences. Other offenders included Mohammed Azram, Jahangir Zaman, Nashir Uddin, Saiful Islam, and Abdulhamid Minoyee, among others, each linked to various charges such as conspiracy to incite prostitution, rape, supplying drugs, trafficking, and sexual assault. The sentences ranged from two to ten years, with some offenders, like Saiful Islam and Mohammed Hassan Ali, receiving lengthy jail terms for their roles in the abuse network.

In summary, this case exposes a deeply troubling pattern of exploitation within Newcastle, revealing the extent of organized abuse targeting vulnerable young girls. The efforts of law enforcement and the resilience of the victims have been instrumental in bringing these offenders to justice, but the scars of such crimes remain a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and protective measures in the community.