An Indian-origin man has been handed a significant 22-year prison sentence in an East London court after pleading guilty to multiple child rape offenses. His brother also received a 15-month jail term for possessing indecent images of children.
Vruj Patel, 26, and Kishan Patel were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The Metropolitan Police spearheaded the investigation and are now actively urging any other potential victims to come forward.
Detectives suspect the Patel brothers may have targeted more individuals, with their criminal activities possibly dating back as far as 2018.
Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, who led the Metropolitan Police’s investigation, described Vruj Patel as a “cowardly, opportunistic offender who has preyed on vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification.”
DS Blant further stated that the severity of the sentence reflects the danger Vruj Patel poses to women and children, emphasizing his lifelong management under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender notification requirements.
He commended the Met detectives for their “fantastic example of a thorough and detailed investigation” dedicated to supporting victims and protecting the public from a dangerous individual.
According to the police statement, Vruj Patel admitted guilt to several charges: child rape, assault by penetration of a child under 13, and four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, all related to one victim.
Additionally, he confessed to the rape of a woman over 16 and sexual assault by penetration, involving a second victim.
Furthermore, Vruj Patel was found guilty of possessing indecent images of children and voyeurism, resulting in his permanent inclusion on the UK’s sex offenders’ register.
His brother, Kishan Patel, was sentenced for the creation and possession of indecent images of children and will also be subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order in addition to his prison sentence.
The court heard that Vruj Patel’s arrest on February 1 stemmed from a tip-off from Greater Manchester Police. They reported finding videos of child sexual offending on a device that had been sent for repair.
This device belonged to Kishan Patel, and initial videos discovered depicted child sexual offenses committed against a young girl known to both brothers.
“Officers acted swiftly to confiscate Kishan’s devices; however, it soon became clear that Vruj Patel was the perpetrator in the videos. Detectives successfully identified him after his face briefly appeared at the conclusion of one of the abuse videos,” the Met Police confirmed.
Subsequent images and videos uncovered by detectives revealed Vruj Patel committing rape against a young woman after a university night out, as well as voyeurism against a young girl.
Police investigators meticulously reconstructed the timeline, establishing that Vruj Patel had filmed himself committing multiple offenses against the victims. He was identified through comparisons of his clothing and distinctive jewelry.
The Met Police stated, “While each incident of contact offending is believed to have occurred in 2018, the voyeurism predates this, and officers are concerned that Vruj’s offending may have continued until more recently.”
Following Patel’s sentencing, detectives are appealing for any other victim-survivors to come forward. They suggest there might be additional instances where children visiting his home, or the homes of those close to him, were under his care. The police are eager to speak with anyone who suspects this might be true.
Officers confirmed that the victim-survivors in this case received specialized support and guidance throughout the investigation and court proceedings.
Survivors are encouraged to contact the police online or by calling 101, referencing “Operation Castline.”
“Dedicated, professional officers across London are committed to leaving no stone unturned in identifying those who seek to commit offenses against vulnerable people and bringing them to justice,” DS Blant of the Met Police added.