Eight men are currently on trial in Rochdale, facing serious charges of sexual abuse related to two girls between 2001 and 2006. Prosecutors have characterized the girls, referred to as Girl A and Girl B, as being treated like 'sex slaves' during this period.

On January 23, one accused, Mohammed Zahid, claimed that one alleged victim sought 'quick easy money'. The defendants, including Zahid (64), Kasir Bashir (50), Mushtaq Ahmed (66), Roheez Khan (39), Mohammed Shahzad (43), Nisar Hussain (43), Naheem Akram (48), and Arfan Khan (40), all deny the charges against them.

Mr. Zahid, who was a market stall holder and allegedly at the center of the abuse, was referred to as 'boss' in court. Prosecutors presented their case, with Rossano Scamardella KC illustrating police interviews with the accused.

Mushtaq Ahmed, a friend of Zahid and Bashir, initially denied knowing Girl B but later retracted this statement in a second interview, admitting he was aware of both Zahid and Bashir, as well as the girls being taken to his shop.

Ahmed expressed fear of Zahid and Bashir, leading him to leave his shop for his own safety. He claimed the girls only visited his store when he wasn't there and stated his fear for his children's safety influenced his initial denial to the police.

During the trial, some defendants suggested that the girls were pursuing financial compensation. Zahid denied any sexual contact with Girl A, stating the allegations were financially motivated. Shahzad was reported to have suggested that Girl A would receive money if she managed to convict the men.

Nisar Hussain claimed he was being 'stitched up' while Arfan Khan mentioned a figure that aligned suspiciously with Shahzad's comments regarding potential financial gains for the girls. The prosecution pointed out this coincidence as noteworthy.

A significant incident occurred at Bury police station involving Naheem Akram. During a heated moment post-interview, he accused Nisar Hussain, resulting in a physical altercation that quickly dispersed, with Hussain later confirming he did not wish to pursue charges for the assault.

• Mohammed Zahid, 64, charged with 10 counts of rape; 4 counts of indecency with a child; 6 counts of procuring a girl under 21 for unlawful sexual intercourse.
• Kasir Bashir, 50, charged with 2 counts of rape; 2 counts of indecency with a child.
• Mushtaq Ahmed, 66, charged with 4 counts of rape; 4 counts of indecency with a child; 1 count of procuring a girl under 21 for unlawful sexual intercourse.
• Roheez Khan, 39, charged with 1 count of rape.
• Mohammed Shahzad, 43, charged with 8 counts of rape; various conspiracy and assault charges.
• Nisar Hussain, 43, charged with 4 counts of rape; various conspiracy and assault charges.
• Naheem Akram, 48, charged with 11 counts of rape; various conspiracy and assault charges.
• Arfan Khan, 40, charged with 2 counts of rape; conspiracy charges.

The trial continues.