Mohammed Amar, 42, Mohammed Siyab, 44, Yasser Ajaibe, 39, Mohammed Zameer Sadiq, 49, Abid Saddiq, 43, Tahir Yassin, 38, and Ramin Bari, 37, were prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service following an investigation by the National Crime Agency, the CPS website reports.
A larger investigation, dubbed "Operation Stovewood," uncovered the sexual abuse and exploitation of two young girls aged 11 and 15 between 2003 and 2008. The entire operation uncovered abuse, trafficking and grooming of over 1,400 girls in Rotherham, South Yorkshire between 1997 and 2013, perpetrated by several gangs of men. Both victims in this case had spent time in the care system while the grooming occurred. During that time, the perpetrators would pick them up in cars and give them alcohol, drugs, and money before raping them or forcing them into sexual acts.
The seven defendants were found guilty of child sex abuse offenses committed between April 2003 and April 2008 and were sentenced to 106 years imprisonment combined.
CPS spokeswoman Zoe Becker said: "These seven men deliberately preyed on two young girls they knew were vulnerable and, using drugs and alcohol, exploited them for their own sexual gratification.
“The cruelty and abuse the victims suffered at the hands of these defendants was horrific and has continued to have a lasting impact on their lives today. I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the victims for coming forward and giving evidence. This has been a complex and challenging case, and it is because of their courage and fortitude that we have been able to bring these offenders to justice.
“I hope these convictions send a clear message that the CPS, working closely alongside law enforcement, will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, whenever that abuse took place. All children have the right to feel safe and protected. I encourage anyone who has been in a similar position to come forward to report these incidents to the police. It is never too late to seek justice - you are not alone and there is help available.”
NCA Senior Investigating Officer Stuart Cobb said: “These men were cruel and manipulative, grooming their victims and then exploiting them by subjecting them to the most harrowing abuse possible. They were responsible for some of the worst offending we have investigated under Operation Stovewood.
“I can only once again pay tribute to the victims who were brave enough to come forward, tell their stories and confront their abusers. What happened to them can never be undone, but I hope the sentences handed down here will at least give them a sense that their abusers have been held to account and justice has been done.
“We and our partners will continue to do all we can to support them going forward.”
