In a landmark development, a taxi driver who perpetrated horrific crimes against children in Rotherham over two decades ago has finally been convicted. Adam Ali, 43, also known as Razwan Razaq, was found guilty of multiple sexual offences following an extensive investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Between 2002 and 2004, Ali used his position as a taxi driver to target vulnerable young girls, driving them to various locations where he assaulted and abused them. The victims, now in their 30s, were too afraid to report the crimes at the time. However, after the NCA identified them as victims and reached out, they bravely came forward to share their experiences.
One victim, who was only 12 years old at the time, was introduced to Ali by a friend. He would routinely drive her to his house in Bramley, where he subjected her to sexual abuse, including multiple instances of rape. Another victim, aged 13, was groomed by Ali and his friends over several months. Under the guise of concern for her well-being, Ali offered to drive her home one night and, instead, raped her during the journey.
The NCA’s Operation Stovewood, the largest investigation into non-familial child sexual abuse in the UK, played a vital role in identifying these victims. Specially trained officers supported the victims throughout the process, listening to their accounts and gathering corroborating evidence.
It is important to note that at the time of these crimes, Ali was already serving an 11-year prison sentence for the rape of a girl and two counts of sexual activity with another girl, all in Rotherham. South Yorkshire Police had conducted the initial investigation leading to his previous conviction.
Following Ali’s release from prison in April 2023, authorities became aware of his plans to travel to Pakistan. Concerned that he might not return to the UK, investigators worked diligently to gather the necessary evidence to authorise charges. Ali was subsequently arrested on May 18, 2023, and charged the following day. He has been remanded in custody since then.
Today, in Sheffield Crown Court, Ali was found guilty of seven sexual offences. Senior Investigating Officer Stuart Cobb of the NCA commended the victims for their immense courage in coming forward and providing brave and eloquent accounts of Ali’s horrendous abuse. He emphasised that the NCA is committed to ensuring that child abusers face justice, regardless of the time that has passed since their crimes were committed.
Liz Fell, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS, praised the victims for their bravery in reporting the crimes and highlighted the long-lasting impact of child sexual abuse. Fell emphasized that the CPS, in collaboration with law enforcement, will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who exploit children sexually.
Adam Ali is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25. Operation Stovewood, which began in 2014, has identified over 1,100 victims so far. The NCA has made over 200 arrests and secured 28 convictions, with more than 50 ongoing investigations. This case serves as a powerful reminder that justice can be sought even after many years and encourages victims of child sexual abuse and sexual violence to come forward and seek justice.
