THE leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd has renewed calls for a Wales-wide inquiry into grooming gangs after charges were brought against four men in connection with the sexual exploitation of teenage girls in Rhyl.
Detectives investigating child sexual exploitation and trafficking offences in Denbighshire charged four men on Friday (August 8) 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).
- Mohammad 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.
Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, said: “This case provides yet further evidence in support of my calls for a Wales-wide grooming gang inquiry.
“In spite of repeated reassurances from the First Minister and Welsh police forces, it is clear from the testimony of brave victims, and from cases in both north and south of the country, that grooming gangs have been operating in Wales.
"We need to know the full extent of these problems in order that we can protect vulnerable children, ensure that perpetrators are held to account for their evil crimes, and secure justice for victims.
"The lack of urgency from either the Welsh or UK Governments on this issue is alarming and a cause for concern. It's been two months since the UK Government promised a national inquiry yet we've seen no evidence of progress."
He added, "When I called for an inquiry back in January, other politicians tried to shut me down but cases like this make me all the more determined to fight for victims."
The four men, charged in connection to the child sexual exploitation and trafficking offences in Denbighshire, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 8 and have all been remanded in custody.
They will next appear at Mold Crown Court on Friday, September 5.
North Wales Police have received further authorisation to charge a female with offences linked to the investigation and she will appear before the court this week.
A 61-year-old man from London, also arrested as part of the investigation, has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
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: “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.”
In January 2025, Mr Millar said a statutory inquiry covering Wales and England, revealed by the prime minister, was "welcome but long overdue".
In February, the Senedd rejected calls for a Welsh inquiry, but members voted unanimously that the Welsh government should consider one.
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