The Grooming Gang Scandal Overview

The grooming gang scandal in the UK involves gangs of predominantly Pakistani heritage men abusing underage white girls, primarily in former industrial towns. Reports dating back to the 1970s indicate that this issue was largely ignored until it gained media attention in the mid-2000s when MP Anne Cryer highlighted the problem. Subsequent investigations revealed not only extensive abuse but also collusion among local authorities and police in covering up these crimes out of fear of accusations of racism. This criminal network's actions over decades led to a significant number of victims, with reports estimating that over 1,400 children were abused in Rotherham alone between 1997 and 2013, among other towns.