An Indian-origin man has been jailed for 22 years in the United Kingdom after pleading guilty to multiple counts of child rape and other serious sexual offences. His brother was also sentenced in the same case for possessing indecent images of children. The sentencing took place on Tuesday at Snaresbrook Crown Court in East London following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Vruj Patel, 26, admitted to a catalogue of crimes, including the rape of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, rape of a woman aged over 16, sexual assault by penetration, possession of indecent images of children, and voyeurism. The judge ordered that Patel’s name be permanently added to the UK’s sex offenders’ register, with lifelong notification requirements and restrictions under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
His older brother, Kishan Patel, 31, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for making and possessing indecent images of children. He will also be subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will regulate his activities and impose restrictions to protect children from potential harm.
The case came to light after Greater Manchester Police received a third-party report that videos of child sexual abuse were found on a device sent for repair. The device belonged to Kishan Patel. When the Metropolitan Police examined it, they discovered videos showing abuse of a young girl who was known to the brothers. Detectives soon realised that Vruj Patel appeared in one of the videos, his face briefly visible at the end.
Further forensic analysis of the brothers’ devices revealed more disturbing evidence. Police uncovered footage of Vruj Patel raping a young woman after a university night out and additional voyeuristic material involving a young girl. Detectives pieced together his identity using facial recognition from the videos, clothing comparisons, and distinctive jewellery. Officers believe his offending dates back to at least 2018 and may have continued more recently, given evidence of voyeurism predating the assaults.
Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, who led the investigation, described Vruj Patel as a “cowardly, opportunistic offender who preyed on vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification.” He added that the sentence reflected the “threat he poses to women and children” and commended the work of detectives in piecing together evidence and safeguarding survivors. “This is 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,” Blant said.
Police have now appealed for other potential victim-survivors to come forward, stressing that there may have been further incidents involving children placed in the Patels’ care. The Metropolitan Police noted that victim-survivors in the case have been provided with specialist support throughout the investigation and court proceedings. Members of the public have been urged to report information via the non-emergency line 101 or online, quoting “Operation Castline.”
The case underscores the Met Police’s wider efforts to tackle violence against women and children. Officers said they remain committed to using specialist units, advanced forensic techniques, and victim-led approaches to ensure that offenders are held to account and survivors are supported.
Also Read: California Declares Diwali a State Holiday, Celebrating Cultural Diversity
