Three men have been sentenced to a combined total of 44 years behind bars for raping four vulnerable girls in Plymouth during 2017. The Devon and Cornwall Police investigation, known as Operation Garcia, revealed a chilling exploitation ring targeting teenage girls as young as 14.
The longest sentence was handed to 30-year-old Salih Anthony Anantharajah, 34-year-old Abalzaq Salih, and 32-year-old Saif Kahya, who were found guilty of multiple rapes against victims aged between 14 and 16. Salih received the harshest punishment with 19 years in prison. Anantharajah was jailed for 13 years, while Kahya was sentenced to 12 years.
The trio lured their victims to house parties by offering drugs, alcohol, and money. Once at these gatherings, the girls were groomed and then brutally assaulted in the offenders’ homes.
Claire Brinton, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS, condemned the men’s actions, stating: “These three men exploited four young girls through drugs, alcohol, and money. Their victims were groomed and subjected to rape. This was a vicious and vile campaign of sexual abuse likely to cause life-changing harm and trauma.”
The CPS expressed gratitude to the brave survivors who came forward and encouraged other victims to speak out, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Brinton added, “You are not alone and there is help available.”
Authorities continue to seek anyone with information related to similar crimes, pledging to hold offenders accountable and protect vulnerable children from sexual exploitation.
Originally published by UKNIP.
