London Mayor Khan Under Fire As BBC Exposes Scale Of Grooming Gangs

A BBC investigation revealed widespread exploitation of vulnerable girls as young as 14 by gangs in London, prompting criticism of Mayor Sadiq Khan. The investigation uncovered that girls are lured into forced sex, drug dealing, and other criminal activities. Victims were often targeted from troubled backgrounds, and some were forced to have sex as payment for their debts. Police described the girls as the "lowest rung" in the gangs, exploited "for everything". The findings are similar to patterns seen in other UK towns, but Khan previously denied the existence of grooming gangs in the same way in London. Political opponents, including Susan Hall, have criticized Khan for dismissing concerns and called for an inquiry. Survivors shared harrowing accounts of being abused and manipulated. One survivor described being passed between men, while others felt used and their experiences downplayed. The investigation led to calls for the mayor to apologize to the victims. A Metropolitan Police officer estimated dozens of children are currently being exploited by gangs in south London. The Metropolitan Police is re-examining thousands of child sexual exploitation cases, a national review. An independent inquiry into grooming gangs is due to begin later this year.