Widespread sexual exploitation of girls by migrant gangs uncovered in London
A February investigation revealed that migrant gangs in London are systematically sexually exploiting girls aged 14 and older. Victims are often raped by multiple perpetrators under the guise of “paying off” drug debts and coerced into involvement with arms trafficking and phone theft.
Detective Sergeant John Knox from the Lambeth and Southwark districts estimates that at least 60 children, some as young as 13, are exploited just within his area. Girls occupy the lowest rank in the gang hierarchy and are subjected to repeated assaults. London police are reviewing around 9,000 previously uninvestigated cases from the past 15 years, focusing currently on about 1,200 key files.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan claimed in 2025 that “grooming gangs” are not present in the city, but opposition parties accuse him of downplaying the issue. A nationwide inquiry led by Baroness Longfield is set to commence this year.
