Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Five people jailed over rape and trafficking of Welsh girls
Five people have been sent to prison for crimes against three teenage girls in north Wales.
The girls were between 14 and 16 years old.
The crimes happened in Rhyl and nearby areas between April 2022 and March 2024.
The convicted people included four men and one woman.
The longest sentence was given to Mustafa Iqbal, who received 30 years in prison.
Prosecutors said alcohol and drugs were used to pressure and control the girls.
Police said the victims showed great courage during the investigation and trial.
A safeguarding review is now looking at an earlier investigation from 2022.
Five people were jailed for more than 80 years after being convicted of rape, trafficking and sexual exploitation offences.
The offences involved three girls aged 14 to 16 in Rhyl and elsewhere in Denbighshire between April 2022 and March 2024.
Mustafa Iqbal received the longest sentence: 30 years in prison followed by five years on extended licence.
Mohamed Usman Arshad and Ziaullah Badshah were jailed for 19 and 17 years respectively, while Jaswinder Singh and Sarah Gray each received eight years.
Operations Embank and Zirconium uncovered more than 40 offences, and a safeguarding review is examining the original 2022 investigation.
- Who
- Four men and one woman: Mustafa Iqbal, Mohamed Usman Arshad, Ziaullah Badshah, Jaswinder Singh and Sarah Gray.
- What
- They were convicted of offences including rape, trafficking, sexual exploitation, compulsory labour, drug supply and related crimes.
- When
- The offences occurred between April 2022 and March 2024; the sentences were imposed on Friday 25 following a three-month trial.
- Where
- Rhyl and elsewhere in Denbighshire, north Wales; sentencing took place at Caernarfon Crown Court.
- Why
- Prosecutors said alcohol and drugs were used to coerce the girls, while two defendants assisted or enabled the abuse.
- Victims
- Three teenage girls aged between 14 and 16
- Location
- Rhyl and elsewhere in Denbighshire
- Offence period
- April 2022 to March 2024
- Investigation
- Operations Embank and Zirconium
- Offences uncovered
- More than 40 offences involving rape, sexual assault, child sexual exploitation, modern slavery and drug supply
- Longest sentence
- Mustafa Iqbal: 30 years in prison plus five years on extended licence
- Safeguarding review
- The North Wales Safeguarding Board is carrying out a unified review linked to the original 2022 investigation