Scottish police target online gangs accused of coercing children
Detectives have joined an international operation against networks accused of grooming children into self-harm and other abuse.
Police in Scotland have joined international law-enforcement efforts targeting online networks accused of coercing children into self-harm. The investigation concerns loosely organised groups operating across gaming platforms and social media.
The networks are commonly referred to by investigators and campaigners as ‘The Com’. Police say the groups can use grooming, threats, blackmail and manipulation to control young people online. Most reported targets are girls, although the wider threat is not limited to one group.
Scottish detectives have joined forces with others elsewhere in the UK and overseas. The BBC reported that one arrest had been made in Scotland and that several convictions had already taken place in England in related cases. Those cases do not establish the identity or responsibility of every person connected with the wider networks.
The Molly Rose Foundation, which supports young people and families affected by online abuse, has described the groups as an especially serious risk to children. Campaigners have called for better cooperation between platforms, schools, police and child-protection services.
Online coercion can move quickly between services. A child may first encounter a group through a gaming community before being directed to private chats or another platform. Investigators therefore face difficulties in identifying offenders, preserving evidence and protecting children while enquiries continue.
Police have not released details that would identify child victims. The investigation is ongoing, and the existence of a network or an arrest does not prove the guilt of any individual who has not been convicted.
The case adds to pressure on technology companies to detect grooming and coercive behaviour and to respond quickly to reports. It also raises questions about how effectively the Online Safety Act and existing child-protection arrangements are being enforced across platforms based outside the UK.
Also show where in Europe and in the world
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Police in Scotland are investigating online groups accused of coercing children.
- The investigation involves international law enforcement.
- The allegations concern gaming platforms and social media.
Left
Arguments Platforms should face stronger duties to prevent grooming and protect children, while public services need more funding for prevention and specialist support.
Values Child protection, equality and public responsibility.
Consequences More intervention could reduce harm but might increase surveillance and false positives.
Centre
Arguments Police, platforms, parents and schools each hold part of the solution. Measures should be evidence-led, protect privacy and provide clear routes for reporting and safeguarding.
Values Proportionality, safeguarding and institutional cooperation.
Consequences Coordinated action may be more effective than relying on one regulator or one technology.
Right
Arguments The immediate priority should be prosecuting offenders and enforcing existing laws, rather than expanding broad online censorship. Families and platforms also have responsibilities.
Values Public order, accountability and individual responsibility.
Consequences A law-enforcement focus may act faster, but could miss wider design and social causes.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Priya Shah — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article reports the investigation without naming children or treating allegations as convictions. Claims about the scale and structure of the networks are carefully attributed.
- confirmed Scottish detectives joined an international operation targeting online groups accused of coercing children. — BBC report. source
- confirmed One arrest had been made in Scotland and several convictions had occurred in England in related cases. — BBC report as reproduced by AOL. source
- confirmed The Molly Rose Foundation described the groups as a grave risk to children. — BBC report. source
Editor's note
The police operation and reported arrest are attributed to BBC reporting. Details of alleged networks and the investigation remain incomplete.Sources
- Scottish police to target online gangs forcing children to self-harm — BBC News via AOL
- New EVAW x Refuge report reveals scale of online misogyny and abuse — End Violence Against Women
More on this in other media
- Sky News — „scotland online safety”
- BBC News — „scotland online safety”
- The Guardian — „scotland online safety”