A recent investigation has revealed serious allegations of a cover-up involving London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and his administration regarding organized sexual exploitation by Muslim grooming gangs in the city. The findings, uncovered by independent inquiries, have intensified pressure for a national probe into the issue.
The allegations span incidents from 2013 to 2025, with specific cases highlighted in boroughs such as Redbridge, Newham, and Stratford. Among the most notable is the 2013 conviction of Naeem Ahmed, Nabeel Ahmed, and Hassan Raza for sexually assaulting a vulnerable woman after grooming her. A detective involved in the case stated that Nabeel Ahmed targeted the victim due to her vulnerability, later subjecting her to repeated abuse by his associates.
In 2017, four teenage girls aged 13 to 15 were reportedly groomed near a McDonald’s in Stratford, moved between locations, and sexually assaulted by multiple men. A subsequent investigation identified 30 potential victims but resulted in no charges being filed, with police acknowledging the scale of abuse may have been underestimated.
Critics, including Reform Party MP Lee Anderson, accused Khan of downplaying or ignoring evidence of grooming gangs for years. Anderson stated, “There is real, credible evidence that grooming gangs exist in London, and for the Mayor to have potentially turned a blind eye is utterly shameful.”
Khan has faced scrutiny for repeatedly stating he did not understand the term “grooming gangs” during questioning at the London Assembly. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley initially denied ongoing investigations into such gangs but later reversed his stance, claiming cases are now being pursued.
Calls for a national inquiry have grown, with victims and advocates alleging systemic underreporting of grooming gang crimes across the UK.
