LONDON: A 27-year-old Indian student, identified as Bilal Kazi, has been sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment by Chester Crown Court in north-west England after being classified by British authorities as a “serial online groomer”. Kazi pleaded guilty to a comprehensive series of child sexual abuse offences committed online against numerous vulnerable children.
Investigations revealed that Kazi masqueraded as a teenage boy on social media and popular gaming platforms to gain the trust of girls aged between 10 and 15. Operating with what the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) described as “absolute ruthlessness,” he manipulated victims into sending indecent images, engaging in sexual acts, and even subjected some to blackmail.
Martin McRobb, Specialist Prosecutor at the CPS, emphasized the calculated nature of the crimes, while Cheshire Constabulary highlighted that the massive multi-jurisdictional investigation exposed widespread exploitation affecting dozens of young victims. Authorities noted that the case serves as a stark warning that cyber-offenders hiding behind screens will be tracked down and brought to severe justice.
