Executive Briefing Note
Date: October 21, 2025
Subject: Metropolitan Police acknowledgment of grooming gang investigations in London
Classification: Public information
Executive Summary
The Metropolitan Police Service has reversed its longstanding position regarding organized child sexual exploitation in London, now acknowledging a “very significant number” of active and historic investigations. This policy shift followed an investigative report by the Express and MyLondon that presented evidence contradicting previous denials.
Key Developments
Previous Position (Pre-October 2025)
The Met consistently denied London had significant grooming gang problems
As recently as February 2025, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated uncertainty about undetected cases when questioned by Lord Bailey of Paddington
This stance remained consistent for years despite warnings from frontline workers
Current Position (October 2025)
Commissioner Rowley announced a “steady flow” of active multi-offender child sexual exploitation investigations
Acknowledged substantial volume of historic cases requiring review
Estimated reinvestigation costs at “many millions of pounds” over several years
Described the number of cases as “very significant”
Timeline of Events
February 2025: Commissioner Rowley tells London Assembly member he “cannot guarantee there is something out there that we have not seen”
June 2025: Mayor Sadiq Khan states there is “no indication” that Home Office grooming gang review cases are in London
October 16, 2025: Express and MyLondon press Met Police on reinvestigation numbers (request declined)
October 17, 2025: Commissioner Rowley addresses London Assembly, revealing significant caseload and estimated costs
October 20, 2025: Express publishes investigation showing Mayor Khan had received Met Police inspection reports containing case studies with grooming gang patterns
Expert Commentary
Maggie Oliver (Former Rochdale Detective, Whistleblower)
Characterized the shift as “a spark of honesty” after decades of denial
Drew parallels to similar denials and subsequent admissions in Rochdale, Manchester, Barrow, and other areas
Suggested the Met revealed truth only when “there’s no point in lying anymore”
Expressed concern that acknowledgment comes too late for many victims
Chris Wild (Children’s Social Care Expert, Author)
Called the acknowledgment “long overdue”
Noted frontline workers had been warning about the issue for over a decade
Emphasized need for action beyond recognition: “words must turn into action”
Called for justice, accountability, and systemic change
Metropolitan Police Official Statement
The force maintains that:
London’s child sexual abuse pattern is “more varied” than other regions
Cases don’t align neatly with patterns of methodology, ethnicity, or nationality seen elsewhere
Significant improvements have been made over the past decade
The force remains committed to protecting vulnerable children
Encouraging reporting remains a priority to develop a fuller picture
Financial Implications
Full investigative review estimated at “many, many, many millions of pounds”
Costs projected to span “millions of pounds a year for several years”
No specific budget allocation announced
Political Context
Mayor Sadiq Khan has not yet commented on the Met’s policy reversal
The shift follows the Home Office’s ongoing grooming gangs review
Investigation findings showed the Mayor had received and responded to relevant inspection reports
Outstanding Questions
Why did the Met maintain its previous position despite available evidence?
How many specific investigations are currently active?
What is the precise scope of historic cases requiring review?
What changes in policy or procedure led to this acknowledgment?
What accountability measures will be implemented for institutional failures?
Implications for Stakeholders
Law Enforcement:
Need for substantial resource allocation
Potential review of historical investigative practices
Questions about institutional transparency
Victims and Families:
Validation of previously dismissed concerns
Potential for historic case reviews
Need for support services during reinvestigations
Public Trust:
Questions about institutional credibility
Concerns about delayed acknowledgment
Demands for accountability and transparency
Document Prepared By: Analytical review of public reporting
Next Review Date: Following official Met Police statement on implementation plan
