Hundreds of online predators and abusers caught by specialist organised crime teams

Hundreds of sexual predators targeting children online have been caught by specialist organised crime units as they increasingly turn their attention to keeping vulnerable people safe. 

Originally established to tackle drug trafficking, firearms offences and organised crime groups, regional organised crime units (ROCUs) across England and Wales are now using their specialist capabilities to protect people from online predators, domestic abusers and exploitation networks. 

Police leaders have highlighted how the changing nature of crime is driving developments in specialist policing, with officers combining traditional investigative techniques with cutting-edge technology and covert tactics to identify, disrupt and dismantle some of the most harmful offenders operating across the UK.

Increasing importance of regional units

Since their inception in 2013, ROCUs have grown into a national network of around 4,000 officers and staff, successfully serving as the bridge between ‘bobbies on the beat’, national law enforcement and international  agencies.  

They continue to tackle drug supply, serious violence, money laundering and firearms offending, but have become increasingly focused on making sure some of the most vulnerable people in society are safe from emerging threats - both online and offline. 

Over the past year, ROCUs have delivered substantial results in the fight against organised crime, including: 

• 4,363 suspects arrested 

• 7,242 years of prison sentences secured 

• 2,259 children protected 

• 823 adults safeguarded 

• 1,492 arrests for drugs and firearms offences 

• 3,570 disruptions against organised crime groups 

• 95 firearms and 652 rounds of ammunition seized 
• More than 1.5 tonnes of cocaine, 158kg of heroin and 8.4 tonnes of cannabis removed from circulation 

Pivot to tackle crime linked to vulnerable people and children

And now they are working hard to put a stop to online child sexual abuse and exploitation as well as working with the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP) to tackle domestic abuse.  

In one case, officers identified a man who posted about sexually abusing a child and sought to share abuse material with someone he thought was another offender. Thanks to the diligent work of officers, he was jailed for 29 years.  

In another investigation which began after a victim reported being coerced by her partner into sexual activity with multiple strangers, ROCU investigators were able to use specialist techniques to access digital records from a device which led to the suspect being charged and remanded. Teams working in the online space have contributed to the arrest of 1,393 suspects, securing 1,487 years of jail time and safeguarding 1,351 children.  

Working alongside national policing partners such as the National Crime Agency (NCA), officers are using advanced investigative methods to strengthen evidence gathering, support local force investigations and better protect victims.

Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for ROCUs, said:

“Organised crime continues to evolve rapidly, with offenders increasingly exploiting digital platforms and targeting vulnerable individuals in new ways. ROCUs are adapting alongside those threats, developing specialist skills, technology and intelligence capabilities to ensure communities remain protected. The ROCU network has evolved significantly since its creation and now plays a crucial role in tackling some of the most harmful threats facing our communities. From disrupting organised crime groups involved in drugs and firearms, to protecting children from online predators, supporting victims of abuse and identifying hidden exploitation, our officers and staff are making a tangible difference every day. Organised crime is becoming increasingly complex, and ROCUs are needed more than ever. We remain committed to protecting the public, safeguarding the vulnerable and pursuing those who seek to cause harm."

Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney, the NPCC lead for Serious and Organised Crime (SOC), added:

“Criminals are operating differently to when the ROCU network was first launched and much of that is fuelled by technology. Today, vulnerability is a theme we recognise and see running throughout so many of our investigations because organised criminals are experts in exploitation and coercion. It’s vital that our officers recognise this and not only pursue dangerous offenders but identify and safeguard victims. The ROCU network has demonstrated that the tactics and capabilities they use to tackle SOC are highly effective and are confident they will greatly assist in the fight against VAWG and online exploitation.”