Fugitive Wanted for Rotherham Sex Attack Snared at Bulgarian Border
Shahid Hussain, 48, wanted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) over a shocking 2003 child sex assault in Rotherham, has been arrested. Bulgarian police snagged the Pakistani national at the Kapitan Andreevo border post on November 26 as he tried to enter from Turkey.
Elusive Suspect Caught After Years on the Run
Hussain faces charges for the alleged indecent assault of a 14-year-old girl. Though charged in July 2018, he skipped court and went on the run. The Crown Prosecution Service issued a European Arrest Warrant to bring him to justice.
“Hussain has been wanted by the NCA for more than five years, and we were always determined that he be brought back to the UK to face those charges,” said NCA Operations Manager Stuart Cobb. “We will be working with our partners at the CPS and in Bulgaria to ensure that happens and the extradition process continues.”
Operation Stovewood: Fighting Child Exploitation in Rotherham
Hussain was linked to Operation Stovewood, launched in 2014 to crack down on non-familial child sexual abuse in Rotherham from 1997 to 2013. So far, the NCA has arrested over 200 suspects and secured 26 convictions. More than 50 investigations remain open, with work expected to carry on until 2027.
From January 1, 2024, the NCA will stop taking new Operation Stovewood cases but vow to see existing ones through.
Speak Up: Help Bring Rotherham Abusers to Justice
Anyone who was a victim or has information about child sexual abuse in Rotherham during this period is urged to contact the NCA Control Centre on 0370 496 7622, quoting Operation Stovewood, or email [email protected].
