110 child abuse suspects identified by Police Scotland

Police Scotland has identified over three dozen people of ‘public prominence’ among more than 100 suspects investigated as part of its probe into historical child sex abuse.  

The single force confirmed it has 58 separate investigations that meet criteria for Operation Hydrant, a UK-wide operation exploring alleged abuse by “prominent public persons” as well as that which has taken place in institutions.

The earliest recorded date of offending is 1947, whilst the most recent relates to two years ago, Police Scotland has confirmed.

Earlier the National Police Chiefs' Council, which set up the operation, revealed more than 1,400 suspects, including politicians and celebrities, are being investigated by police forces across the UK.

As part of a further breakdown, Police Scotland said it has identified a total of 110 suspects, of which 80 are named. Twenty-six of the named suspects are dead.

The force said 37 of its suspects are classified as ‘persons of public prominence’, including four from the world of TV, film and radio and 33 who are listed as having a ‘significant public profile’ nationally or locally.

A total of 99 people are suspected of abuse within institutions with 45 institutions identified north of the border, comprising 17 educational institutions, 16 social care establishments, seven faith-based institutions, four leisure based clubs/organisations and one health premises.

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, whose responsibilities cover major crime and public protection, said: “We are fully supportive and a key part of Operation Hydrant. Already co-operation between police forces across the UK has had real benefits for investigations here in Scotland. 

“We have a number of live investigations which are ongoing and which it would be wrong to comment on at this stage. But we are liaising with police forces elsewhere in the UK on a number of inquiries at present.”

The single force launched the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit last month amid a growing number of increasingly complex child abuse investigations.

“The setting up of the NCAIU ensures all local policing divisions and all communities have access to specialist support,” added Graham. 

“One of the roles of the NCAIU is to lead or support on large scale, complex, protracted or cross-border investigations or inquiries involving high-profile individuals or those who work in positions of trust. 

“The challenges facing the police service to offer routes to justice for survivors of historic abuse while continuing to safeguard and protect children who are at risk of harm today, are massive. Police Scotland will remain committed to treating all victims of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time, with sensitivity and respect.”