A man who was charged in connection with child sexual exploitation has pleaded not guilty to multiple rape charges.
Bilal Shinwari, 20, appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday in connection with an investigation into group-based child sexual exploitation in Norwich.
The alleged offences involve two victims who were in their early to mid-teens at the time.
According to Norfolk Constabulary, Shinwari is the eighth person to be charged as part of the ongoing investigation.
Shinwari entered the country via a small boat on November 28, 2022, and his immigration status is ‘asylum seeker'.
He was born in Afghanistan and self-defines his ethnicity as ‘Any Other White Background'.
Seven other men, all Afghan nationals and refugees, were charged with a total of 40 offences in May as part of the same investigation.
They have all pleaded not guilty and remain in custody ahead of a trial in January.
Shinwari faces two counts of rape of a girl under 16, one count of conspiring to rape a girl under 16 between August and October 2023, and one count of conspiring to rape a woman aged 16 or over between August 2023 and May 2025.
He was remanded in custody, with a trial scheduled for January 11.
Police have urged anyone with information related to the investigation to come forward.
A spokesman for the force said: "Officers are encouraging anyone with information about this investigation to come forward and share this with us.
"Please include the name Op Highwood26 in your report to us, and it will be passed to the dedicated investigation team."
Reports can also be made by calling 101 and referencing Op Highwood26.
Further support and advice for those who have experienced child sexual abuse or exploitation is available on the Norfolk Constabulary website.
Share