GRAEME WILSON FROM BARNET SENTENCED FOR ONLINE CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE PHILIPPINES

In a disturbing case that highlights the dark underbelly of online child exploitation, Graeme Wilson, a 68-year-old man from Barnet, London, has been sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement in facilitating the sexual abuse of minors in the Philippines. The case came to light after authorities uncovered evidence of Wilson’s disturbing activities, which he carried out from his home in Barnet.

In July 2022, Wilson was identified as the individual behind a heinous online operation where he paid to watch live-streamed sexual abuse of children in the Philippines. The National Crime Agency (NCA) took swift action in November 2019, arresting Wilson at his residence after an extensive investigation. The NCA’s efforts were supported by international partners and social media companies, which provided crucial digital evidence that exposed Wilson’s involvement.

Investigators discovered chat logs that detailed Wilson’s direct instructions to facilitators in the Philippines. These logs revealed that he was actively directing the sexual acts performed on children, some as young as 13, with a particular interest in 14-year-olds. The logs also indicated that Wilson had engaged in directing abuse on at least four occasions in 2017, demonstrating a pattern of disturbing behavior. Two facilitators in the Philippines were arrested earlier that same year, further implicating Wilson in this international abuse network.

Financial records obtained during the investigation showed that Wilson paid the facilitators between 1,200 and 1,500 pesos, equivalent to approximately £18 to £23, for each live-streamed session. This detail underscores the commercial nature of the abuse, with Wilson actively funding and facilitating the exploitation of vulnerable children.

Wilson faced multiple charges, including five counts of arranging and facilitating child sex offences and three counts related to the sexual exploitation of children. He pleaded guilty to all charges, acknowledging his role in this disturbing criminal activity. His case was brought before Southwark Crown Court, where he was sentenced this week to three years in prison. In addition to his custodial sentence, Wilson will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which aims to restrict his future conduct and protect the public. Furthermore, he has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm.