Jul 26, 2025
Three men have been brought before a Croatian court accused of gang raping a 28-year-old local woman in a hotel room at a popular seaside resort.
British Passport holders Ami Arifi, 29, Gezhim Xhafa, 28, and Sohqib Shakibi, 24, appeared before an investigating judge in Split on Thursday and were remanded in custody while police continue to investigate the case.
The alleged incident took place early on Tuesday morning in the port city of Split. Police believe the woman was targeted in a planned attack.
All three men are from London and could face up to ten years in prison if convicted.
One of the suspects is understood to have offered €30,000 in bail, but the offer was refused by the court.
Local reports state the woman met the men on Matejuška, a well-known waterfront promenade popular with both locals and tourists.
She reportedly accepted a motorbike ride with one of the men before joining them in their four-star hotel room at around 5.30am.
The court heard that once inside the room, the first defendant began to insult her, bite her lips, and grope her. When she objected and said she was in pain, he allegedly continued.
He is also accused of taking the woman’s mobile phone and asking her to have sex with the second defendant.
The woman, fearing for her safety, allegedly agreed and went with him to another room.
It is further alleged that the first man then requested that she perform oral sex on the third defendant.
The woman told the court he bit her and touched her across her body.
She claimed she resisted throughout the assault but eventually managed to escape and call her ex-boyfriend, who then contacted police.
Officers quickly arrived at the hotel and arrested one of the suspects in the room. The remaining two were located and detained shortly afterwards.
The court heard the ordeal lasted for around two hours. All three men have denied the charges and maintain that all sexual activity was consensual.
Two of the men are originally from Kosovo, but all three hold British citizenship.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2087147/three-british-men-face-rape
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/crime/three-british-men-accused-gang-35621811
The Shakibi surname is of Arabic origin and is primarily used in Iran, Afghanistan, and other Muslim countries. It translates to “thankful” or “grateful” in English, reflecting a cultural significance associated with appreciation and gratitude. The name is also linked to the famous cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, which has contributed to its popularity in Bangladesh and among the Bangladeshi diaspora. The surname carries a rich cultural heritage and is often associated with Islamic values and traditions.
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The surname Xhafa is of Albanian origin, primarily associated with the region of Kosovo and parts of Albania. It may derive from the Ottoman Turkish title “hâce,” which traces back to the Persian “khwāja,” meaning “master” or “gentleman of rank”. The name reflects cultural heritage linked to the Albanian identity and may have originated as a patronymic or occupational name. Historically, surnames in this area often derived from occupations, geographical features, or personal characteristics.
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The surname Arifi has Arabic origins, derived from the word “arif,” meaning knowledgeable or learned. It is commonly found among Muslim communities in the Middle East and North Africa. Notable individuals with this surname include Parwana Arifi, a powerlifting athlete from Afghanistan. The surname is also associated with Albanian roots, where it signifies wisdom and expertise. In the U.S., the surname Arifi is relatively rare, appearing as the 89753rd most popular name.