Overview

• The Rape Gang Inquiry said its research identified gang-based child sexual exploitation in 85 local authorities, including Watford and Dacorum.
• Watford’s mayor said the project is not the official government inquiry and argued it presented no data to substantiate the claims.
• The inquiry, registered as a community interest company, has raised nearly £620,000 and says hearings with survivors and experts are planned later this year.
• Organisers allege patterns involving predominantly Pakistani men and failings by public bodies, while survivor advocates warn the data is insufficient and question welfare safeguards.
• The project lacks powers to compel witnesses to give evidence, as the government proceeds with a separate statutory inquiry following Baroness Louise Casey’s audit.