Four Afghans on Trial Over Alleged Bristol Gang Rape
11th June 2026
Four Afghan nationals, including a 16-year-old boy, are on trial in Britain accused of repeatedly raping a 17-year-old girl over several hours after allegedly grooming her online and transporting her to Bristol in late November 2025.
Mehrab Safi, 21, Awal Ahmadzai, 19, and Salman Habibkheil, 19, along with the juvenile, allegedly groomed the victim after Safi approached her in Bristol’s Cabot Circus. Court proceedings at Bristol Crown Court heard that Safi added the girl on Snapchat and requested nude photos before organising a taxi to bring her from Somerset to Bristol in the early hours.
Once there, she was allegedly taken to a property in the St. Werburghs area, plied with vodka and cigarettes, and allegedly raped by all four defendants. Prosecutor Ed Hetherington told the court the girl was isolated, alone in an unfamiliar city at night, and subjected to repeated sexual abuse against her will over several hours. The alleged assault came to an end after the girl’s mother alerted police.
Three of the adult suspects fled the scene as officers arrived, travelling to London and Birmingham before crossing to France hidden in a lorry. French police detained them in Calais on 3 December 2025; they reportedly gave false names before being returned to the UK. Safi faces two rape charges and one of human trafficking. Habibkheil denies human trafficking and rape. Ahmadzai denies rape and assault by penetration. The 16-year-old denies rape. The trial is expected to last up to three weeks.