Indian-Origin Brothers Sentenced to Prison for Serious Child Sex Offences in UK Court Case

London:

An Indian-origin man who admitted to child rape offences has been sentenced to 22 years' imprisonment at an east London court. His brother received a 15-month jail term for possession of indecent images of children.

Vruj Patel, 26, and his brother Kishan Patel were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court following a Metropolitan Police investigation. Police are now appealing for other potential victims to come forward, believing there may be additional victim-survivors targeted by the Patels.

Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, who led the investigation, described Vruj Patel as "a cowardly, opportunistic offender who has preyed on vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification."

DS Blant added: "The threat he poses to women and children has been reflected in his sentence and his future management under the terms of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender notification requirements for the remainder of his life."

He also highlighted the case as "a fantastic example of a thorough and detailed investigation by Met detectives working to support victims of the most serious offending and safeguard the wider public from a dangerous offender."

According to police statements, Vruj Patel pleaded guilty to rape of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity concerning one victim.

He also admitted to rape of a woman over 16 and sexual assault by penetration relating to a second victim. Additionally, he was found in possession of indecent images of children and guilty of voyeurism, resulting in a life-long registration as a sex offender in the UK.

Kishan Patel received his sentence for making and possessing indecent images of children. Beyond his jail term, he will be subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that Vruj Patel was arrested on February 1 after Greater Manchester Police alerted the Met Police about videos of child sexual offending found on a device sent for repair.

The device belonged to Kishan Patel, and initial videos depicted child sexual offences against a young girl known to the brothers.

"Officers worked quickly to seize Kishan's devices; however, it became apparent that Vruj Patel was the one appearing in the videos. Detectives were able to identify him after his face was briefly visible at the end of one of the videos showing abuse of the child," the Met Police stated.

Detectives uncovered further images and videos showing Vruj Patel committing rape against a young woman after a university night out, and voyeurism against a young girl.

Police determined that he had filmed himself committing multiple offences against the victims and was identifiable through clothing comparisons and his distinctive jewelry.

"Although each incident of contact offending is thought to have happened in 2018, the voyeurism precedes this and officers are concerned that Vruj's offending has continued until more recently," according to the Met Police.

Following the sentencing, police are appealing for any additional victim-survivors to come forward, particularly concerning children who may have been placed under Vruj's care when visiting his home or the homes of those around him.

The victim-survivors in this case have received specialist support and guidance from officers throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

Survivors are encouraged to contact the police by reporting online or calling 101, quoting "Operation Castline."

DS Blant concluded: "There are teams of dedicated, professional officers working across London who will leave no stone unturned to identify those who seek to commit offences against vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice."