Indian student jailed for 30 years in UK for grooming 70 girls online

An Indian student named Bilal Kazi has been sentenced to 30 years in a British prison for grooming at least 70 girls online. He used various social media platforms to deceive them into believing they were in romantic relationships with him, ultimately blackmailing them into providing sexually explicit content. Kazi pleaded guilty to 37 offenses, including child sexual abuse, blackmail, and inciting children to engage in sexual activity.

He was found guilty after a 13-year-old victim reported him to the police in December 2021, and investigators later identified 180 potential victims. Kazi was arrested at Heathrow Airport in July 2023 and was found to have over 900 indecent images and videos on his electronic devices. Judge Stephen Everett condemned Kazi's exploitation of vulnerable children and emphasized the severe psychological impact on the victims.

The court heard that several victims experienced anxiety, eating disorders, and even attempted suicide due to the abuse. Detective Constable Georgia Hughes noted that Kazi showed no remorse and manipulated the young girls during their first romantic relationships. The case highlights the importance of parents being aware of their children's online activities and the potential risks of online grooming and exploitation.