05:03AM, Wednesday 25 July 2012
An unemployed 25-year-old has been accused of involvement in an alleged child sex ring.
Balel Ahmed, of Suffolk Road, Maidenhead, appeared before High Wycombe magistrates' today charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child and sexual activity with a child.
He was arrested as part of Operation Bullfinch - an investigation into grooming, child rape and trafficking involving more than 20 girls aged between 11 and 16 in Oxford.Thames Valley Police launched the operation in March, executing 14 warrants.
Bullfinch is the result of a joint probe by police and Oxfordshire County Council’s children, education and families department.
Ahmed, who has short dark hair and a beard and was dressed in a black T-shirt and tracksuit trousers, waved to his brother-in-law and dad as he walked into the dock.
The stocky former telesales worker, who is now out of work, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.
He sat with his arms crossed for much of the hearing.
Prosecutor Peter Bird said the offences had taken place between January 10, 2010, and January 9, 2012.
Ahmed was remanded in custody.
He will appear at either The Old Bailey in London or Aylesbury Crown Court on Friday, August 3.
Ahmed, who grew up in Maidenhead, is the cousin of co-defendant Zeshan Ahmed, 26, of Palmer Road, Headington, Oxford, who has already been charged with 10 counts of sexual activity with a child as part of Bullfinch.
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