Suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation appear in court

Male suspects in a child sexual exploitation investigation have been remanded in custody following their latest court appearance.

Led by North Wales Police detectives, the Operation Embank and Operation Zirconium investigations involve three teenage female victims.

The girls disclosed a series of alleged sexual offences said to have taken place in Rhyl and the surrounding area between April 2022 and March 2024.

Four males were arrested and charged in connection with the offences last month; before further charges were brought against a female suspect.

All appeared at Mold Crown Court today (Friday, 5 September) to enter pleas to their respective charges.

Mustafa Iqbal, 42, of Trellewelyn Road, Rhyl, pleaded not guilty to four 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 Section 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 (STRO).

Mohammad Usman Arshad, 35, of Clifton Grove, Rhyl, pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, four offences under Section 1 and 2 of the Modern Slavery Act, and the supply of Class B drugs.

Ziaullah Badsha, 24, of Brighton Road, Rhyl, pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape, four offences under Section 1 and 2 of the Modern Slavery Act, and the supply of Class B drugs.

Jaswinder Singh, 60, of River Street, Rhyl, pleaded not guilty to two offences under Section 2 of the Modern Slavery Act, and the supply of Class B drugs.

Sarah Gray, 52, of Llanasa Road, Gronant, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs, assisting an offender, and perverting the course of justice.

Gray has been granted unconditional bail.

A 61-year-old man from London, also arrested last month as part of the investigation, remains on bail pending further enquiries.

The case has now been adjourned, with a pre-trial review set to be held on 2 February, 2026.

A trial, due to last four to six weeks, will be held on 13 April next year.

To report child sexual exploitation, please contact us online or by calling 101. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or vulnerable to harm, please call 999.  

For more information and details of support agencies that are available, please visit our website: Child sexual exploitation | North Wales Police