Three men have been charged with a total of 46 offences relating to non‑recent child sexual exploitation following a Greater Manchester Police investigation known as Operation Sky.
Charges and accused
The charges relate to alleged incidents occurring between 1996 and 2003 involving 10 girls aged between 12 and 16 at the time. The defendants are:
- Ashfaq Khan, 46, of Bury — charged with 36 counts of rape of a female under 16 and additional related offences;
- Qamar Jehangeer, 44, of Bolton — charged with four counts of rape of a female under 16 and two counts of false imprisonment;
- Zaheer Iqbal, 52, of Accrington — charged with four counts of rape of a female under 16.
Court date and police statement
All three men are due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 22 July. Greater Manchester Police described the inquiry as complex and sensitive and said officers are working with specialist support services.
"Officers are working with trauma‑informed support services to safeguard and support all those that have been affected. They continue to work at length to ensure their safety and wellbeing is the number one priority."
Support for victims and how to get help
Police have encouraged anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted to come forward. The article published alongside the charges reminded readers of local and regional services offering immediate and long‑term support. Contact details provided include:
- Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester — 0161 276 6515 (24‑hour support, forensic examinations, counselling);
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis — 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk (confidential support for women aged 18+);
- We Are Survivors (specialist support for male victims) — 0161 236 2182.
Local implications
The charges announce a significant development for Bury: one of those charged, Mr Khan, is named as being from the town. Historic allegations of this nature can reopen trauma for victims and communities, and the police emphasis on trauma‑informed safeguarding reflects that sensitivity. The presence of local contact details aims to ensure survivors and witnesses can access practical and emotional support promptly.
| Defendant | Age | Primary charges |
|---|---|---|
| Ashfaq Khan | 46 | 36 counts of rape (female under 16) + related offences |
| Qamar Jehangeer | 44 | 4 counts of rape (female under 16), 2 counts false imprisonment |
| Zaheer Iqbal | 52 | 4 counts of rape (female under 16) |
Anyone with information relevant to Operation Sky or with concerns is advised to contact Greater Manchester Police. The investigation remains subject to legal processes, and those charged are due to appear before the courts where the allegations will be tested.
