Waqaar Khan

A gang from Coventry, led by 24-year-old Waqaar Khan, has been convicted of serious sexual offences including rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking against two vulnerable teenage girls. The case, which came to trial at Leamington Justice Centre, highlighted the dangers of online grooming and the exploitation of young people through promises of gifts and outings.

The offences unfolded over several months, with the gang using social media platforms to contact and groom the victims. Khan and his associates arranged meetings, often transporting the girls via taxis to parties or isolated car parks. There, they plied the girls with alcohol and drugs before subjecting them to repeated sexual abuse. The trial, lasting six weeks, resulted in the gang being found guilty on 18 charges. Both victims provided compelling evidence in court, detailing the manipulation and trauma they endured.

Waqaar Khan was specifically convicted of two counts of human trafficking and three counts of rape. As reported by the Coventry Observer on 27 January 2017, Khan received a sentence of 14 and a half years in prison. Detective Chief Inspector Ian Green from West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit stated, “The sexual abuse of young girls is inexcusable. The effects can last a lifetime.” Khan will be placed on the Sex Offender Register for life.

• Key elements of the grooming process included false promises of shopping trips and gifts.
• The gang's activities were part of a broader network, with ongoing investigations into additional victims.
• The case underscores the role of multi-agency efforts in tackling child sexual exploitation in the region.