A leaked list reveals members of a controversial group, raising concerns about their roles with children
London: A shocking dossier has come to light, revealing names of individuals linked to a group that once pushed for the legalization of sex with children. This group, known as the Paedophile Information Exchange (PIE), had around 300 members, some of whom might still be working with kids in various capacities.
The BBC got hold of this list, which includes names and addresses of 316 people. It turns out the Metropolitan Police had this list back in the late 1970s and kept it for about 20 years. While they can’t share specific details about past investigations, they are still looking into any ongoing allegations against living suspects.
Interestingly, while most members were based in the UK, some names on the list are from other parts of Europe, the US, and Australia. The BBC’s investigation suggests that a few of these individuals might still have access to children through their jobs or volunteer work, although there’s no evidence that any of them have actually harmed kids.
When digging through archives, it was found that about 45% of those on the list had been charged or convicted of sex offenses against minors. Alarmingly, nearly 70 of them are currently in roles that could put them in contact with young people, like teachers and social workers. The BBC’s podcast, In Dark Corners, has been trying to reach out to those still alive for comments.
PIE was described back in 2007 as an “international organisation of people who trade obscene material.” They even tried to link their cause with the gay rights movement back in the day. At one point, they wanted to lower the age of consent to just four years old, with one of their senior members suggesting it should be 12.
In the UK, the age of consent for sex between men was 21 until it was lowered to 18 in 1994 and then to 16. Some individuals on the list claim they were members just to advocate for aligning the age of consent with national laws. Others, like a teacher currently working overseas, have refused to comment on their names being on the list.
This news comes as the government is set to introduce a new law that would penalize anyone who fails to report or covers up child sexual abuse. Meanwhile, there are calls for a nationwide inquiry into grooming gangs in Oldham, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticizing attempts to derail child safety legislation.
