Shaban Arif

Shaban Arif played a key role in the facilitation of a 16-year-old girl's sexual exploitation, leading to his conviction at Birmingham Crown Court alongside three other men. The West Midlands Police investigation exposed the coordinated efforts of the gang in targeting and abusing the vulnerable teenager.

Arif became involved after the initial assault on Alum Rock Road in Birmingham, where Arqash Zaffar and Mohammed Nadim had already assaulted the girl in their BMW. Zaffar then collected Arif, and together they drove the victim to Manchester to meet Shiraz Nassir, where rapes occurred. Subsequently, Arif and Zaffar took her to a hotel in Walsall, which Arif had booked using his own name, vehicle registration, and driving licence—details that later proved vital to the police investigation. Inside the hotel room, the girl suffered further abuse from Zaffar, with Arif present throughout.

• The journey continued back to Birmingham, where Zaffar attempted to involve more associates.
• A final hotel incident involved four unknown men raping the girl, identified through extensive police work including ANPR and bookings.
• Arif's actions directly enabled the exploitation by arranging travel and accommodation for the abusive encounters.

Shaban Arif, 42, of Holden Crescent in Walsall, was found guilty of facilitating travel of the child with a view to sexual exploitation. All convicted men were remanded in custody, awaiting sentencing on 19 March 2026 at Birmingham Crown Court, facing substantial prison terms.

Detective Constable Stewart Garratt from West Midlands Police stated: 'This has been a complex investigation, it involved a number of enquiries, working in partnership with other agencies and importantly support for this child.' The case underscores the importance of detailed forensic evidence in dismantling such networks of abuse.