Seven perpetrators in a sophisticated child sex exploitation case that has shaken British society for decades have been sentenced to a total of 174 years in prison. They were found guilty of exploiting white minor girls and forcing them into sexual slavery between 2001 and 2006.

'Devil Gang' Leaders Receive Up to 35-Year Sentences 

In the sentencing hearing held at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court on the 1st (local time), seven men, all of South Asian descent—including the Pakistani-born ringleaders Muhammad Zahid (65) and Mushtaq Ahmed (67)—were handed prison sentences ranging from 12 to 35 years. They had been convicted in June on 50 charges, including raping at least two white girls from the age of 13 and forcing them to have sexual relations with multiple men. According to the prosecution, their convictions include 30 counts of rape alone.

This heavy sentencing once again underscores the severity of the so-called 'grooming sex crime' controversy, which involves thousands of minors across the UK being sexually exploited and abused over decades by criminal organizations predominantly composed of South Asian members. The majority of the victims were white girls from vulnerable family backgrounds.

National Inquiry Launched Amid Criticism of Lukewarm Response 

Despite these organized sex crimes persisting for decades, there has been constant criticism that the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators were inadequate. UK far-right activists, such as Tommy Robinson, have exploited this situation as a pretext for anti-immigrant sentiment. More recently, even Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly criticized the UK government's poor handling of the issue under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, launching an offensive.

Facing continuous criticism, the Starmer government reversed its previous stance that 'local-level investigations were sufficient' and, in June, commissioned an independent, nationwide re-investigation by experts to formulate a response.

Particularly in the Rochdale child sex exploitation case, which has become a symbolic case for grooming sex crimes, a total of 32 offenders have been convicted to date, with their combined sentences totaling over 450 years. Attention is now focused on whether the harsh sentences handed down to this gang will be the signal for a stronger judicial response aimed at eradicating grooming sex crimes.

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