Telford child exploitation and prostitution investigation ends
A large scale investigation into child exploitation and prostitution in Telford has come to end with seven men convicted of a wide variety of sexual offences.
Over the past nine months, two men – Ahdel Ali and Mubarek Ali - were convicted of various sexual offences following trials, while Mohammed Ali Sultan, Tanveer Ahmed, Mohammed Choudhrey, Marhoof Khan and Mohammed Younis all pleaded guilty to charges they faced prior to the start of their trials.
The seven men were sentenced to a combined total of almost 50 years in prison and DCI Jamieson has expressed his satisfaction about the convictions that have been achieved.
Speaking about this investigation, DCI Jamieson, who was the senior investigating officer on Operation Chalice, said: “We are pleased with the convictions we have achieved as a result of this operation – an operation that is among the most complex West Mercia Police has ever undertaken.
“The convictions are the result of several years hard work from an investigative team that at times has contained more 50 police officers.
“The girls who became the victims were targeted because of their vulnerability and were then systematically groomed in such a way that eventually they were able to be used for sexual gratification.
“After years of being exploited the girls then went through a huge amount during the course of this investigation and the trials themselves were then a real ordeal for those that gave evidence.
“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the strength and character shown by all of the victims who came and gave evidence and also thank their families for the support they have shown during what has been a truly horrible time.
“It has been very challenging for these young women to come forward and give their evidence and I hope that these convictions will go some way to help them move on with their future lives.
“I would also like to thank my team of dedicated officers and staff who worked very hard to bring these men to justice. A number of officers have worked on this investigation from the very outset and it’s pleasing that their efforts have been rewarded with so many significant prison sentences.
“We have worked in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council, the UK Human Trafficking Centre and many other organisations to provide support and help to many of those affected by these crimes and I would also like to thank these agencies for their assistance.
“In addition, I should also take this opportunity to pass on our gratitude to the Crown Prosecution Service who have supported us thoroughly throughout this operation.”
