National Crime Agency says 'many more' CSE arrests to come in Rotherham
After eight men were convicted for their part in child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, the National Crime Agency's told Hallam their crimes are just the tip of the iceberg.
After eight men were convicted for their part in child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, the National Crime Agency says their crimes are just the tip of the iceberg.
Operation Stovewood is the independent investigation launched at the request of the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police in December 2014.
It’s looking into child sexual exploitation and abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013, and has so far identified more than 11,000 lines of inquiry.
There are 38 designated suspects, with many more potential suspects under investigation. Nine people have been arrested and bailed.
Investigators have also begun to engage with 133 victims and survivors.
Senior investigating officer Paul Williamson said Operation Stovewood remains one of the NCA’s high priority investigations:
“We’ve got 17 investigations under the umbrella of Stovewood. We plan to make more arrests before Christmas.
“(We’ve engaged with) just about 10 per cent of victims from the 1,400 figure so lots more work to be done. We’re aware of the names and details of many, many more. We’ll be contacting those in due course.
“What I can reassure you of is that we’ve got a really hardworking and dedicated team progressing many, many lines of inquiry.
"The number of investigations is just going to grow. The number of victims and survivors we engage with is going to grow. And the number of suspects that we identify is going to grow.”
One organised crime group has been mapped by Operation Stovewood – with other crimes like money laundering and drug-related offence also identified.
Investigations will be taken forward by South Yorkshire Police or other authorities to enable Stovewood to retain its focus on investigating child sexual exploitation.
The investigation is currently recruiting extra officers, to increase the team size to 117.
“I am determined to identify and bring to justice all those who have abused children in Rotherham in the period covered by Operation Stovewood,” Paul Williamson says.
“The scale and complexity of the investigation is extremely large and it will take a number of years to complete.
"We are working with South Yorkshire Police and other agencies to identify any suspects who may still be active today in order to reduce the potential of further offending.”
Yesterday eight men were convicted of a total of 19 charges relating to child sexual exploitation in Rotherham between 1999 and 2003.