Grooming gangs are still abusing girls a decade after Rochdale scandal, says whistleblower

Child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs remains a significant issue in the UK, with recent developments highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing this problem.

Recent Developments

A former detective says the police and authorities are still failing to take the matter seriously and are continuing to let victims down. 

Child sex abuse perpetrated by British Pakistani grooming gangs is still taking place and being ignored by the police almost a decade after it was exposed, a new documentary has claimed.

Maggie Oliver, the former detective turned whistleblower, who helped expose the Rochdale paedophile scandal, said her foundation, which was set up to support victims, is still being contacted by dozens of girls every month.

• Rochdale Review (January 2024): An independent review commissioned by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham examined 111 cases in Rochdale from 2004 to 2013. The review found “compelling evidence” of widespread organized sexual exploitation during that period, noting that many cases were not properly investigated despite warnings to the Greater Manchester Police and Rochdale Council. The report identified 74 children who were sexually exploited, with serious failures to protect 48 of them, and noted that many perpetrators were not apprehended.

• Plymouth Convictions (October 2024): A grooming gang in Plymouth was convicted for crimes committed in 2017. The perpetrators targeted and raped four teenage girls aged between 14 and 16, luring them with alcohol, cash, and drugs. The crimes came to light after one of the victims watched the BBC drama “Three Girls,” which portrayed the Rochdale grooming scandal, prompting her to report the abuse to the police. The three men were subsequently convicted and jailed for a total of 44 years.

• Rotherham Convictions (September 2024): Seven men were convicted for the sexual abuse of two girls in Rotherham after an investigation under Operation Stovewood. The victims were aged 11 and 15 and were in the care system when the abuse started.

Calls for National Inquiry

In light of these events, there have been renewed calls for a national inquiry into grooming gangs:

• Kemi Badenoch’s Call (January 2025): Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, has called for a national inquiry into the UK’s “rape gangs scandal” following numerous trials across the country. This push follows Elon Musk’s accusations that Sir Keir Starmer, former head of the Crown Prosecution Service, failed to address the issue adequately.

• Elon Musk’s Criticism (January 2025): Elon Musk has publicly criticized UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of failing to prosecute grooming gangs during his tenure as the Chief Prosecutor. Musk’s remarks, posted on social media, have sparked significant reactions and have been viewed over 12 million times.

Government Response

The UK government has taken steps to address these issues:

• Grooming Gangs Taskforce (June 2024): The Home Office funded a full-time operational police unit to improve how the police investigate grooming gangs and identify and protect children from abuse. Led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and supported by the National Crime Agency, the taskforce has been active in arresting individuals involved in such activities.

Conclusion

Despite these efforts, the persistence of grooming gang activities in the UK underscores the need for continued vigilance, comprehensive investigations, and systemic reforms to protect vulnerable children and bring perpetrators to justice.