Three men have been sentenced to a combined 44 years in prison for the rape of four young girls in Plymouth between February and December 2017. The convictions follow a thorough investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police, resulting in a successful prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Anthony Anantharajah, 34, Abalzaq Salih, 30, and Saif Kahya, 32, were found guilty of multiple rape offences against victims aged 14 to 16. Salih received the longest sentence of 19 years, while Anantharajah and Kahya were sentenced to 13 and 12 years respectively.
The case, known as Operation Garcia, uncovered a pattern of exploitation where the defendants lured vulnerable young girls to house parties with offers of money, alcohol, and drugs. The assaults took place in the homes of the perpetrators.
Claire Brinton, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS, condemned the actions of the convicted men, stating, “These three men exploited four young girls through drugs, alcohol, and money. Their victims were groomed and subjected to rape.
Brinton emphasized the severity of the crimes, describing them as a “vicious and vile campaign of sexual abuse” that likely caused “life-changing harm and trauma” to the victims.
The CPS extended special thanks to the survivors who came forward to report the crimes and provided evidence in court. Brinton stressed that these convictions send a clear message about the commitment of the CPS and law enforcement to pursue justice for victims of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The prosecutor also encouraged other victims of sexual abuse to come forward, regardless of when the crimes occurred, stating, “It is never too late to seek justice – you are not alone and there is help available.
The investigation and prosecution mark an important step in tackling sexual exploitation and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes. The authorities continue to urge anyone with information about similar incidents to contact them and seek support.
