Three men charged with rape of teenage girls after child sex exploitation probe

20th July, 2026 | News

Three Men Charged Over Historic Sexual Offence Allegations in Greater Manchester

Three men have been charged in connection with alleged sexual offences involving 10 girls in Bury, Greater Manchester, between 1996 and 2003.

According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the alleged victims were between the ages of 12 and 16 at the time of the reported offences. The charges follow Operation Sky, a long-running police investigation into historic child sexual abuse allegations.

The accused are Ashfaq Khan, 46, of Bury; Zaheer Iqbal, 52, of Accrington, Lancashire; and Qamar Jehangeer, 38, of Bolton. They are scheduled to appear before Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Ashfaq Khan faces 36 charges, including allegations of rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, and false imprisonment. Zaheer Iqbal has been charged with four counts of rape and two counts of false imprisonment, while Qamar Jehangeer faces four counts of rape.

Police described Operation Sky as a complex and sensitive investigation into allegations dating back more than two decades. They also confirmed that officers are working closely with trauma-informed support services to safeguard and support those affected throughout the legal process.

Greater Manchester Police stated that the safety and well-being of the complainants remain a top priority as the investigation and court proceedings continue.

The charges are allegations at this stage, and the accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.