GMP make 70th arrest in pursuit of suspected non-recent child sexual offenders in Greater Manchester

Yesterday morning (Thursday 6 February) specialist detectives executed a warrant in Chadderton, Oldham. This activity marks our 70^th arrest as part of our dedicated multi-agency investigation, Operation Green Jacket, which is investigating offending against vulnerable young people in the South Manchester area in the early 2000s.

A 77-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of indecent assault. He has been taken into custody to be questioned.

At the time of the alleged offence in 1994, the man was a social worker for Manchester City Council. He has since retired and is no longer in a position of trust.

This operation sees our Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team (CSE MIT) collaborate with partners to identify and trace victims and suspects; safeguard and support survivors; and relentlessly pursue offenders.

Whilst criminal justice outcomes are one objective, the overarching aim is to ensure victims and survivors are offered the support they want or need; to help them make informed decisions about their next steps; and to take those steps when they feel they are ready to do so.

Next month, Operation Green Jacket will hit an important milestone with its first trial commencing on 3 March 2025 at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court. Christopher Oates (44), of Stockport, has been charged with three counts of engaging in underage sex with a 14-year-old girl; one count of intentionally causing a 14-year-old girl to be sexually exploited; one count of intentionally causing a 17-year-old girl to be sexually exploited; one count of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Detective Chief Inspector Zaheer Ali from our CSE MIT said: “Our focus rightly remains on our victims and survivors who have bravely come forward to speak to us about what they experienced, trusting us to pursue those responsible, and bring them to justice.

“It takes such courage for victims and survivors of sexual abuse to speak up, which is why it is so important that we work closely with a variety of specialist partners to ensure they are at the heart of everything we do and maintain an investigative pace which they feel comfortable with.

“Our work on this investigation continues and will not relent until we have explored all available lines of enquiry to bring suspects to court and to bring justice for survivors.”

Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "We are working closely with Greater Manchester Police as part of Operation Green Jacket and to ensure that no stone is left unturned in seeking justice for victims of child sexual exploitation or other abuse and relentlessly pursuing perpetrators. 

"This applies whenever and however alleged offences come to light and whenever they relate to. The number of arrests made so far underlines this joint commitment and how the approach to this issue has been transformed in recent decades with survivors and victims’ at its heart and robust proactive actions taken."