Armin Takhfifi (30/04/2000) of Wellington Road North, Stockport and Hadi Khangheshlaghi (23/01/2001) of Alvanley Crescent, Stockport have each been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, today (10 November 2026) at Manchester Crown Court.

The rape took place on 22 November 2019. At the time the victim was 17, Takhfifi was 19 and Khangheshlaghi was 18.

The victim impact is extremely impactful and included within this release.

A strong survivor’s bravery has secured that two predatory men have been jailed for a combined amount of 30 years after they raped her.

Armin Takhfifi (30/04/2000) of Wellington Road North, Stockport and Hadi Khangheshlaghi (23/01/2001) of Alvanley Crescent, Stockport have each been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, today (10 November 2026) at Manchester Crown Court.

This follows both men being found guilty of rape by a unanimous jury on 30 September 2026 at Manchester Crown Court.

On 22 November 2019, the survivor, just 17 at the time, and a friend travelled to Manchester to attend a party at an Airbnb hosted by men known to one of them through university.

Before attending, the friend received persistent messages from one of the hosts urging her to come and bring friends.

After arriving at around 11pm, the girls were given drinks and a small amount of a spliff.

Both later described feeling overwhelmingly drowsy, weak and unable to move, a reaction they believed was far beyond what would be expected from the small amount they had consumed.

The survivor recalls being led into a bedroom and laying on the bed as she had no energy. While in this vulnerable state, she was raped by Takhfifi and Khangheshlaghi, who subjected her to degrading comments during the attack.

The survivor reported that she couldn’t say or do anything to stop what was happening.

Growing concerned for the survivor, her friend forced herself to the bedroom despite feeling incapacitated herself. When she opened the door, she witnessed the men raping the survivor. She shouted at them to stop, but they ignored her, barricaded the door and continued.

Following the attack, the survivor was distressed, partially undressed and covered with a shawl. When the friend confronted the men, they showed no remorse or accountability stating ‘she didn’t say yes or no’ to justify their actions.

The survivor later reported the rape to police on 26 November 2019 and underwent a forensic examination.

Medical experts identified a number of injuries consistent with recent sexual assault and blunt force trauma. Forensic examination of the survivor’s underwear also recovered DNA which showed a mixture of DNA, both Takhfifi and Khangheshlaghi’s were present.

Khangheshlaghi was arrested in March 2020 and Takhfifi was arrested in May 2020, in February 2021 charges were submitted by the investigation team to the CPS and through developments in the investigation the charges were accepted by the CPS on 27 March 2022.

Takhfifi and Khangheshlaghi were both charged with rape.

Both men denied responsibility throughout the investigation. Takhfifi claimed the sexual activity was entirely consensual, while Khangheshlaghi denied having any sexual contact with the survivor at all. But both men agreed that this was a good night where the girls enjoyed themselves.

Their accounts were undermined by the evidence. CCTV showed the survivor and her friend arriving at the party fully dressed and in good spirits. Hours later, it captured them leaving in a dramatically different state, with the survivor wearing only a hoodie and the blue shawl she described in her statement – and both women appearing unsteady on their feet as they got into a vehicle to leave.

Phone downloads also revealed extensive contact between the men after the girls left the address, including messages and calls demonstrating concern among the group about what had occurred that night.

During the trial Khangheshlaghi changed his account of that night and admitted he did have sex with the survivor, but it was consensual and described lying in his statement as he thought it would protect him… it did not.

Following a lengthy and complex investigation, and subsequent court proceedings delayed by a number of unforeseen circumstances, a jury found Takhfifi and Khangheshlaghi guilty of rape.

The evidence presented throughout the trial painted a stark picture of men who took advantage of a vulnerable young woman and then spent years denying responsibility for their actions. The jury rejected their accounts and found them guilty.

The court heard the detrimental effects that this attack as had on the survivor and devastation this has caused on her life: “Suddenly the world as I knew it was flipped upside down, at just 17 years old, the type of trauma I went through is something that I wish no other person should have to endure.

“The first stage was confusion, then shock, and then the realisation of what had happened to me was the very thing that completely stripped me of my dignity, identity, and sense of self – which was rape.

“I feel as though there is nothing that could possibly repair the damage and impact it has had on me going through such a traumatic event, but I am glad that justice has been served in this instance.

“I hope this positive outcome could encourage others to speak up too and spread awareness for anyone else who may be experiencing what I have been through.

“I want people to understand that the consequences of this incident extend far beyond the day it occurred. It has affected my wellbeing, my relationships, my independence and my ability to feel secure in my own life.

“I am still living with those consequences, and I cannot simply return to the person I was before. It has ultimately made my world feel so much smaller, and I will continue to search for the “spark” I lost somewhere in between.”

Detective Constable Mike Taylor who led this investigation said: “Throughout this incredibly long and difficult journey, the victim has shown extraordinary courage and resilience. What she has been through is unimaginable, and the impact of these offences has affected every aspect of her life.

“While no sentence can ever undo the harm she has suffered, I hope today’s outcome provides her with some measure of justice and allows her to continue moving forward.

“Rape is one of the most devastating crimes one person can inflict on another. To take advantage of someone in such a vulnerable state and then spend years denying responsibility and showing no genuine remorse, is truly abhorrent.

“Throughout the course of this investigation, the victim has had to relive deeply traumatic experiences while navigating a lengthy and often challenging criminal justice process. Despite everything she has been through, she continued to support the investigation with immense strength and determination.

“The evidence in this case exposed the callous actions of these men and the devastating consequences their choices had on an innocent young woman. I am proud to have been part of the investigation that has secured justice for her and held those responsible accountable for their actions.

“To anybody who believes they may have been a victim of sexual violence, please report it to us. We will listen, we will support you, and we will do everything we can to help. Sexual violence of any kind is never okay.”

Remember – if in doubt, report it.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can access the help and support available.

• Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. Services are available 24 hours a day on 0161 276 6515.
• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis provides confidential support and counselling for women over 18 who have experienced rape or sexual abuse. Call 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk.
• Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma-informed support to male victims of sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

Credit Image Greater Manchester Police