Arqash Zaffar

A 16-year-old girl endured a deeply traumatic ordeal of sexual exploitation and rape at the hands of Arqash Zaffar and his associates, leading to their convictions at Birmingham Crown Court. The case, investigated by West Midlands Police, highlighted the vulnerability of the victim and the predatory actions of the offenders.

The incidents began when the girl, walking along Alum Rock Road in Birmingham, was approached by Zaffar and Mohammed Nadim driving a BMW. Initially declining Zaffar's request for her phone number, she was later persuaded to enter the vehicle under the pretence of a lift to the city centre. Instead, Zaffar drove her to a secluded area where he and Nadim sexually assaulted her in the back of the car. The girl's phone, connected to the car's sound system, later aided police in identifying the vehicle.

• Following the assault, Zaffar collected Shaban Arif, and together they transported the girl to Manchester to meet Shiraz Nassir.
• At Nassir's home in Denton, Greater Manchester, the girl was raped by Zaffar and Nassir.
• Zaffar and Arif then took her to a hotel in Walsall, booked by Arif using his own details, where Zaffar subjected her to further abuse in the room with Arif present.
• Later that evening, Zaffar drove her back to Birmingham and attempted to involve another associate, who declined.
• In a final horrific episode, Zaffar took her to another hotel where four unknown men raped her sequentially; police later identified four perpetrators through phone records, bookings, and ANPR data.

Arqash Zaffar, 41, of Persehouse Street in Walsall, was convicted on five counts of rape, four counts of causing the child to engage in sexual activity without consent, and one count of facilitating travel with a view to sexual exploitation. All defendants were remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for 19 March 2026 at Birmingham Crown Court.

Detective Constable Stewart Garratt from West Midlands Police's Public Protection Unit stated: 'This has been a complex investigation... These males took advantage of a clearly vulnerable teenager, what she experienced was deeply traumatic. She found the strength to report this and specialist child abuse officers worked extremely hard to identify these men, and in doing so have got justice for her.' The investigation involved partnerships with other agencies and comprehensive support for the victim, who was commended for her bravery.