New inquiry launched into child exploitation
ANEW operation has been launched into historic sexual abuse of children in Rochdale
It comes as three more men have been arrested by detectives investigating historical child sexual exploitation in Manchester and the abuse of Victoria Agoglia before her death.
The new Rochdalefocused investigation will follow lines of enquiry which officers believe will lead to the identification and arrest of perpetrators who committed abuse against vulnerable children.
A dedicated team of detectives have been assigned to the investigation named Operation Exmoor and will contact historic victims.
Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said: “CSE perpetrators target and exploit some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and we understand how devastating the effects can be.
“We want to assure victims that even if they don’t wish to pursue a criminal justice outcome, we will listen to them and ensure they receive personalised support from committed professionals.”
The arrests all relate to separate victims as part of
Operation Greenjacket, one of which is Victoria Agoglia.
The operation was launched in the wake of a damning report issued in January this year which highlighted the failings of Operation Augusta in 2004/05.
Augusta identified up to 97 suspected offenders and at least 57 children believed to be potential victims.
But a review commissioned by Greater Manchester, Mayor, Andy Burnham in 2017 discovered it was discontinued in July 2005 due to resources.
It has been launched in response to Victoria’s death in 2003, aged 15, after she was injected with heroin by a man, then aged 50.
The review found that in the two years before her death Victoria had been subjected to severe abuse and exploitation. In total, six men have now been arrested as part of Operation Green Jacket and enquiries are ongoing.
ACC Hussain said: “Tackling the exploitation of children and vulnerable people within our communities is an absolute priority for Greater Manchester Police and we’re fully committed to working closely with partners to provide the best possible support to victims of exploitation and also target, disrupt and apprehend those responsible.
“Our commitment to tackling child sexual exploitation is unwavering - in addition to this operation there are 73 live investigations that we have ongoing in relation to child sexual exploitation with multiple victims or perpetrators across Greater Manchester.
“These investigations have identified over 480 victims and are assessing over 650 perpetrators.
“Each one of these investigations has the victims at the heart of them, regardless of whether offences were historic or recent, and we have a dedicated multi-agency victim services team that ensures they receive the best possible support.
“Since January this year, a total of 54 individuals have been prosecuted for CSE offences resulting in 120 years’ of custodial sentences.
A further 13 individuals have been convicted and are awaiting sentencing and ten others have been charged and are awaiting trial. These prosecutions have been achieved amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic which has brought challenges to the criminal justice system.
“Whilst we have made further arrests, Operation Green Jacket is continuing and I would encourage anyone affected by the case, requiring support or with information that could assist our investigation to get in touch via the dedicated email address.
“We’re also currently assessing a number of victims involved in a historic operation in Rochdale and as a result have identified a number of victims who will form part of a new operation.
“We believe there are lines of enquiry which will lead to the identification and arrest of perpetrator’s who committed abuse against vulnerable children. The new operation will be called Operation Exmoor and once the multi-agency assessment phase is complete, a dedicated team of detectives will progress this investigation and contact the victims.”