Seven years after a bombshell report first linked serial killer Levi Bellfield to a notorious grooming gang, a survivor is making renewed calls for justice as police confirm their investigation remains active.
Ongoing Investigation Into West London Abuse Ring
Scotland Yard has revealed that an investigation into alleged child sexual abuse in Hillingdon, west London, continues more than six years after receiving a safeguarding report in 2019. The case involves allegations that Bellfield, currently imprisoned for unrelated murders, and convicted sex offender Suraj Gharu were among seven men operating a child sex abuse ring with at least 17 victims.
The gang is alleged to have operated for well over a decade in West London, according to a 2018 social work report that brought these disturbing allegations back into public awareness. Gharu has denied any involvement in such a gang, while Bellfield has not commented. Neither man has faced charges related to these specific allegations.
Survivor's Frustration With Authorities
Crystalla, a survivor who has spent years fighting for action, has expressed her anger toward Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley for their perceived failure to act on the information they've possessed for seven years.
"We're sick of screaming and shouting about it and nothing happening," said the singer/songwriter. "It's simple, we want justice for the abuse we've suffered at the hands of a group so many people have been aware of."
Crystalla highlighted the particular significance of Bellfield's alleged involvement, stating: "Not only has this grooming gang been public knowledge for the past seven years, Levi Bellfield, one of the most notorious serial killers in British history was involved according to the report."
Wider Pattern of Grooming Gangs Across London
This case represents one of 24 potential grooming gang situations identified across London through a joint investigation by MyLondon and the Express. The research has uncovered a disturbing pattern of exploitation and institutional failure throughout the capital.
Among the tragic cases discovered were several teenagers who took their own lives after suffering horrific sexual exploitation. One Croydon case described an 11-year-old child being labelled by professionals as "engaged in sexually harmful behaviour" before her suicide at age 16.
The Metropolitan Police has embarked on a major review of 9,000 group-based child sexual abuse cases following increased scrutiny of their approach to grooming gangs. Between January and July, officers re-examined 922 potential cases and submitted 197 to the National Crime Agency for further assessment.
Police whistleblower Maggie Oliver, who helped bring grooming gangs to justice in Rochdale, confirmed that the London cases showed the same patterns of exploitation she had witnessed elsewhere.
Calls for Action and Support for Survivors
Debbie Weissang, Hillingdon Council's child sexual exploitation manager who authored the original safeguarding report, continues to stand by her recommendations. She emphasised that alleged perpetrators still at large pose a serious "risk to children" and believe "they'd done nothing wrong and are untouchable."
Weissang stressed the importance of supporting survivors, noting: "Taking action can make a significant difference and improve the lives of the next generation."
Jade Nurse, a survivor of a grooming gang in High Wycombe, expressed her frustration after reading details of the London cases. "What we go through is horrible," she said. "I'm still trying to get justice now 18 years down the line, and it's just a daily fight every day with your mental health."
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed their commitment to the investigation, stating: "Specialist detectives continue to progress this complex and detailed investigation and recognise the impact on those affected. They remain committed to investigating allegations fully and securing justice."
The Mayor of London's office responded that Sadiq Khan finds grooming gangs "utterly abhorrent" and wants "justice for every single victim of these horrific crimes." The spokesperson highlighted investments in specialist services and reforms to the Met's child protection arrangements.
