A man has been sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after luring a vulnerable teenage girl into his world of drug dealing, using food, drugs, and attention to manipulate her into criminal activity for his own gain. Najib Arab, whose real age remains uncertain due to conflicting dates of birth in official records, has been ruled a dangerous offender who remains a threat, especially to girls under the age of 16.
Arab, originally from Afghanistan and residing in Roath, Cardiff, first encountered the girl when she travelled into central Cardiff with a friend, searching for cannabis. According to court reports, the girl was directed to Arab via Snapchat, where he requested a photo before meeting her in person in the city centre. Presenting himself as a 17-year-old and fellow Afghan, Arab’s actual age appears to be somewhere between 27 and 33, according to varying government documentation.
The situation escalated rapidly after their initial meeting. Arab took the girl back to his bedsit, where he supplied her with free cannabis cigarettes and was openly flirtatious before exploiting her sexually. This encounter marked the start of what became an exploitative and damaging relationship, which Arab sustained by providing the girl with further drugs and food, while continuing to engage her sexually.
It soon became apparent that Arab’s intentions extended beyond personal gratification. The teenager was manipulated into his small-scale drugs operation. He instructed her in packaging cannabis and taught her how to conceal deals in her mouth, before employing her in deliveries, often transporting her around the city on his electric bike. On several occasions, Arab even took her to a property known for preparing crack cocaine, exposing her to increasingly dangerous criminal environments.
Evidence presented by the prosecution highlighted the coercive and threatening tactics used. Arab informed the girl that he was the primary dealer around Cardiff Central station and showed her videos of himself assaulting others who challenged his territory. He also made it known that he carried a knife, adding a further layer of intimidation.
The exploitation only came to light after the teenager spent several nights at Arab’s property, prompting a police search. She was eventually found due to the resourcefulness of an officer familiar with the local area. When police arrived, Arab fled the scene but was apprehended about a week later near Cardiff Central station.
A statement from the victim, read in court, detailed how Arab at first appeared to care for her, providing basic necessities and making her feel seen. However, she soon realised the extent of the manipulation as she felt compelled to reciprocate, returning to him out of fear of reprisal. The emotional consequences for the girl were severe; she described feeling “worthless and disgusted”, which led to self-harming behaviours. While she admitted to ongoing trust issues, she affirmed that her situation had since improved.
Najib Arab was convicted of being concerned in the supply of cannabis and ketamine, and of requiring another to perform forced or compulsory labour, contrary to the Modern Slavery Act. Past convictions from 2018, including possession with intent to supply crack and heroin and carrying a bladed article, were also noted by the court.
Arab’s defence barrister, William Chipperfield, argued that his client had himself been trafficked and that his actions were part of an unfortunate lifestyle. Nonetheless, Judge Lucy Crowther described Arab as “manipulative” and sharply criticised his ongoing refusal to accept responsibility, instead placing blame on his victim. She added that Arab’s actions were motivated by self-interest and maintained through implied violence, causing significant harm to the girl.
The court imposed an extended nine-year sentence, consisting of seven years in custody and a further two years on extended licence. Arab will be eligible for parole only after serving two-thirds of his custodial term. In addition, a lifetime slavery and trafficking prevention order was issued against him.
South Wales Police, through Detective Constable Jessica Thomas, emphasised the gravity of Arab’s actions and assured the public of their commitment to protecting children at risk of exploitation. Authorities urge anyone with concerns about child exploitation to come forward, reinforcing that such offences have no place in their communities.