Flintshire woman charged in child sexual exploitation and trafficking investigation
A 52-year-old woman has been charged with multiple offences as part of an ongoing investigation into child sexual exploitation and trafficking.
Sarah Gray, of Llanasa Road, Gronant, is charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs, assisting an offender, and perverting the course of justice. She is due to appear at Mold Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 15 August.
Her arrest forms part of an investigation that has already seen four Denbighshire men charged with offences including rape, sexual assault, and the supply of illegal drugs.
The four are due to appear at Mold Crown Court on Friday 5 September following arrests on Thursday 7 August.
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 Sections 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.
Mohammad Usman Arshad, 35, of Clifton Grove, Rhyl, is charged with rape, four offences under Sections 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 Sections 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.
They appeared at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court on Friday 8 August and were remanded in custody. They will next appear at Mold Crown Court on Friday 5 September.
A 61-year-old man from London, arrested as part of the investigation, has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Operation Embank and Operation Zirconium are linked investigations led by North Wales Police involving three teenage female victims, who made reports about offences in Rhyl and surrounding areas 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, contact North Wales Police online or by calling 101. In an emergency, call 999.
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