Four charged as part of investigation into child sexual exploitation

Detectives investigating child sexual exploitation and trafficking offences in Denbighshire have charged four men following arrests made on Thursday, 7 August.

The individuals, aged between 24 and 60, face multiple charges related to the investigation.

• Mustafa Iqbal, 42, of Trellewelyn Road, Rhyl, is charged with three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, three counts of inciting a child aged under 16 to engage in sexual activity, six offences under Section 1 and 2 of the Modern Slavery Act, conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs, possession of a firearm, and breach of a Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO).
• Mohamed Usman Arshad, 35, of Clifton Grove, Rhyl, is charged with rape, four offences under Section 1 and 2 of the Modern Slavery Act, and the supply of Class B drugs.
• Ziaullah Badsha, 24, of Brighton Road, Rhyl, is charged with two counts of rape, four offences under Section 1 and 2 of the Modern Slavery Act, and the supply of Class B drugs.
• Jaswinder Singh, 60, of River Street, Rhyl, is charged with two offences under Section 2 of the Modern Slavery Act, and the supply of Class B drugs.

The four males charged appeared at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 8 August and have all been remanded in custody.

They will next appear at Mold Crown Court on Friday, 5 September.   

Further authorisation has been given to charge a female with offences linked to this investigation, and she will appear before the court next week.

A 61-year-old man from London, also arrested as part of the investigation, has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Operation Embank and Operation Zirconium are linked investigations that have been led by North Wales Police.

The investigations involve three teenage female victims, who made reports in relation to a series of offences in Rhyl and the surrounding area between April 2022 and March 2024.

Detective Chief Inspector Rich Sidney of North Wales Police said: “Our priority is always the protection and support of victims, and this investigation is no exception.

“We urge anyone who has experienced abuse—or who is concerned about someone who may be suffering—to come forward. You will be listened to, your report will be investigated, and we will ensure you have access to the support you need.

“This has been a complex and long-running investigation. We have liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service throughout the process and this collaboration has resulted in authority to charge the suspects involved with multiple serious offences being provided.

“We would now ask for people to respect the judicial process and to avoid online speculation on this case. This is to ensure the integrity of the investigation and court proceedings.”

Specialist Prosecutor Louisa Robertson at the CPS said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised North Wales Police to charge four males and one female in respect of these two investigations.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against each individual are now active and that they all have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

To report child sexual exploitation, please contact us online or by calling 101. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or vulnerable to harm, please call 999.  

For more information and details of support agencies that are available, please visit our website: Child sexual exploitation | North Wales Police