RIFAT MEHMET ON THE RUN FROM ESSEX AND LONDON POLICE AFTER SEX OFFENDER BREACH
In a significant development in ongoing efforts to locate a convicted sex offender, authorities have publicly released a photograph of Rifat Mehmet, a 36-year-old man who has been missing for the past six months.The Metropolitan Police Service, through its Paedophile Unit, issued this appeal in an attempt to track down Mehmet, who was previously convicted of child sex offences and subsequently placed on the Sex Offenders Register upon his release.
Originally from Essex, Mehmet has since vanished without informing the authorities of his current residential address, a clear violation of the legal obligations set forth under the Sex Offenders Act 1997.
Scotland Yard’s Paedophile Unit confirmed that despite the legal requirement to keep police updated about his whereabouts, Mehmet has failed to do so, raising concerns about his potential location and the safety of the community.
Det Chief Insp Bob McLachlan, a senior officer within the unit, explained the unusual step taken by the police in releasing Mehmet’s photograph.
He stated, “The Metropolitan Police Service Paedophile Unit has taken the unusual step of releasing a further photograph of a convicted sex offender in a bid to trace him.” McLachlan emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting, “Rifat Mehmet, 36, has been convicted of sexual offences against a child.” He further added, “He has breached his obligations under the Sex Offenders Act 1997 by failing to inform police of his current residential address.
It is thought that he is living in the London or Essex area — though he could be living elsewhere.” The police are actively investigating his whereabouts, and the public’s assistance is being sought to locate him.
Last week, Scotland Yard issued a series of photographs to the News of the World newspaper featuring convicted paedophiles who had gone missing.
Among those identified were Tuan Quang Ho and David Baron, both of whom have since been traced by law enforcement authorities.
Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding Mehmet’s current location to come forward.
They can contact the MPS Child Pornography Information Line at 0808 100 0040 or reach out to the MPS Paedophile Unit directly at 020 7230 3104.
The police emphasize that community cooperation is vital in ensuring that individuals like Mehmet are brought to justice and that public safety is maintained.
