UK Child Abuse Ring Busted After Horrific Videos Found on NZ Platform
Investigators uncovered some of the most “horrific and devastating” child abuse material ever seen. Among it was a sickening video series showing the torture, rape, and sexual abuse of three kidnapped young girls—including an 18-month-old toddler.
Tens of Thousands Identified, Hundreds Arrested
New Zealand authorities, where the platform was hosted, launched a major investigation in October 2019. They identified tens of thousands of users worldwide. Information on UK accounts was handed to the National Crime Agency (NCA), which started its own crackdown.
- 450 UK-based suspects arrested by police, Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCUs), and the NCA
- 95 arrests by the NCA alone, with 42 charged and 28 convicted so far
- 79 children safeguarded by investigators
Perpetrators Included Those Trusted With Children
Many offenders held positions of trust—working in primary schools, nurseries, law enforcement, healthcare, and even religious roles. Some were applying for new roles involving children or volunteering.
One chilling case involved Robert Stanley from Essex. Arrested in April 2020 after accessing Category A child abuse videos, police found messages showing he and his partner Danielle Schofield from West Yorkshire fantasising about kidnapping and abusing a child. Both were jailed for almost eight years.
In another, Steven Skelton from Folkestone was jailed for ten years after Kent Police uncovered he directed abuse of hundreds of children globally, with over 230 videos of live-streamed abuse. He even messaged a 13-year-old victim, who officers safeguarded.
NCA Deputy Director Details Scale of the Operation
“This has, and continues to be, a hugely important operation,” said Sarah Blight, Deputy Director of Child Sexual Abuse Threat at the NCA. “The data from New Zealand led us to prioritise UK offenders posing the highest risk. So far, 450 suspects arrested, many trusted with children, and much activity happened during Covid-19 lockdowns when young people were most vulnerable.”
“Our work continues to disrupt predators. Each month, around 850 suspects are arrested and over 1,050 children safeguarded across the UK. The NCA focuses on the worst offenders and has the specialist tools to bring them to justice.”
