Three men have been charged with 46 offenses, including rape, as part of an investigation into historical child sexual exploitation in Bury, Greater Manchester.
The accused, identified as British Pakistanis, allegedly committed the offenses between 1996 and 2001 against 10 girls who were between 14 and 16 years old at the time.
Ashfaq Khan, 46, from Bury, faces 36 charges, including allegations of rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, and false imprisonment. Zaheer Iqbal, 52, of Accrington, Lancashire, has been charged with four counts of rape and two counts of false imprisonment. Qamar Jehangeer, 38, of Bolton, Greater Manchester, is accused of four counts of rape.
The charges stem from Operation Sky, described by authorities as a complex and sensitive investigation.
Greater Manchester Police stated that officers are collaborating with trauma-informed support services to safeguard and support all affected individuals, prioritizing their safety and well-being.
The defendants are scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.