Appeal launched after east London man jailed for 22 years for serious sexual offences

Following Met detectives leading an investigation into a child sexual assault which uncovered further sexual offences, officers are now appealing for potential victims to come forward.

Vruj Patel, 26 (22/03/99), of Selsdon Road E13, was sentenced today, Tuesday, 7 October, to 22 years in jail at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

This result builds on the Met’s work to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) by using innovative techniques to identify predators to bring them to justice and bolstering VAWG teams with 565 specially trained officers and staff to carry out victim led investigations.

Vruj previously 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 in relation to one victim, rape of a woman over 16 and sexual assault by penetration relating to a second victim, along with possession of indecent images of children, and voyeurism.

His brother, Kishan Patel, 31 (29/09/94), also of Selsdon Road E13, was also sentenced today to 15 months for possession of indecent images of children at the same court. He will also serve a 10-year-sexual harm prevention order.

Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Patel is a cowardly, opportunistic offender who has preyed on vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification. 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.

“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.

“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.”

The offending

Patel was arrested on Saturday, 1 February, after Greater Manchester Police alerted the Met to a third-party report of videos of child sexual offending being present on a device which had been sent for repair.

The device belonged to his brother, Kishan Patel, and the initial videos found depicted child sexual offences being committed against a young girl who was 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.

Further images and videos were uncovered by detectives which showed Vruj committing a rape against a young woman following a university night out, and voyeurism against a young girl. Vruj had filmed himself committing multiple offences against the victims and was identifiable from clothing comparisons and his distinctive jewellery.

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.

The appeal

Following the Patel’s sentencings today, detectives are appealing for any further victim-survivors to come forward.

There may be other instances where children visiting his home, or the homes of those around him, had been placed under his care. Detectives are interested to speak to anyone who believes this may have been true.

Victim support

The victim-survivors involved in this case have been given specialist support and guidance by officers throughout the investigation and court process.

Survivors are encouraged to contact the police by reporting online or by calling 101 quoting Op Castline, where officers will arrange contact.

The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line is a free phone and online chat service for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has experienced something sexual that they didn’t want, didn’t consent to or are feeling confused about – no matter when or where it happened. Specialist staff are there to listen, answer questions and offer emotional support. They can be contacted through their website on 247sexualabusesupport.org.ukor by calling 0808 500 2222.

The Met is dedicated to improving our response to violence against women and girls (VAWG). Every woman and girl in London deserves to feel safe, walking home at night, travelling on public transport, at home, or simply going about their daily lives.

For more information on the Met’s work on VAWG, read our Action Plan.

Full list of charges:

Vruj Patel

• Voyeurism

• Sexual assault female over 16

• Assault by Penetration female over 16

• Rape female over 16

• 4x Causing or Inciting a child under 13 to engage in Sexual Activity

• Sexual Assault of a Child under 13

• Assault of a child under 13 by penetration

• Rape of a child under 13

• 4x Making Indecent Images

Kishan Patel

• Count 1: Making Indecent Images – Cat. A 765 still and 183 moving

• Count 2: Making Indecent Images – Cat. B 401 still and 52 moving

• Count 3: Making Indecent Images – Cat. C 944 still and 28 moving

• Count 4: Possession of Indecent Images – Cats. A, B, and C.