Operation Sherwood: Child Sexual Exploitation Ring Busted
Series of arrests shake Oldham and Rochdale
On 22 January 2026, police arrested two men—aged 43 from Oldham and 53 from Rochdale—on suspicion of facilitating child sexual offences and conspiracy. On the same day, a 40-year-old man from Oldham was also nabbed, suspected of rape.
Then, on 4 February, West Yorkshire saw two more arrests linked to Operation Sherwood. A 45-year-old was charged with arranging or facilitating child sexual offences, while a 39-year-old man faces allegations of raping a female under 16. All suspects have been bailed under strict conditions.
So far, 27 men have been caught up in the ongoing investigation, with survivors updated regularly on police progress.
Rochdale man sentenced to 13 years for horrific child abuse
In a significant court ruling at Manchester Crown Court on 23 February 2026, Omar Saif, 23, from Rochdale, was jailed for 13-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to multiple child sex offences.
- Two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16
- Six counts of sexual communication with a child
- Two counts of inciting a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity
- Blackmail
- Making indecent images of children (over 150 images across Categories A, B, and C)
Saif remains on remand since his arrest in September 2023, following a tip-off from a parent of a 14-year-old girl. The victim told police Saif lured her to a secluded spot in Rochdale and raped her without consent.
Digital evidence reveals disturbing pattern of abuse
Forensic analysis of Saif’s mobile uncovered explicit chats with girls aged 13 to 17. He groomed victims by arranging secret meet-ups and manipulating them to remove boys from their friends lists or share their locations.
He routinely lied about his age, pretending to be younger to gain trust, and coerced several girls into sending indecent images. Police praise the bravery of survivors who came forward and vow to keep pressing onward in this harrowing case.
