London: What began as a routine phone repair turned into the unraveling of a horrifying secret life — one that would lead to the conviction of a dangerous sexual predator.

When a repair technician in 2024 powered on a damaged phone handed in by a customer named Kishan Patel, he expected to fix a cracked screen and retrieve corrupted files. Instead, hidden behind encrypted folders were videos documenting acts of sexual abuse. Those disturbing clips would trigger a far-reaching investigation that uncovered years of crimes committed by Vruj Patel, a 26-year-old man from East London.

On Tuesday, Patel was sentenced to 22 years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court after pleading guilty to multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and child sexual offences dating back to 2018. His brother, Kishan Patel, 31, was sentenced to 15 months in jail for possessing indecent images of children.

The discovery that exposed a predator

The case came to light when Greater Manchester Police received a third-party report on February 1, 2024, that child sexual abuse material had been discovered on a phone sent for repair. The phone repairman, shocked by what he had seen, alerted authorities immediately.

The Metropolitan Police seized the device and, upon reviewing the contents, identified Vruj Patel’s face briefly appearing at the end of one of the videos. That fleeting image was enough to set in motion a large-scale investigation that revealed a catalogue of abuse spanning several years and involving multiple victims.

Further examination uncovered more footage, including the rape of a child under 13, sexual assaults on women, and voyeuristic recordings. Investigators also recovered hundreds of indecent images of children stored on devices linked to the Patel brothers.

The crimes and conviction

Prosecutors detailed Patel’s extensive list of offences, to which he pleaded guilty. His convictions include:

  • Rape of a child under 13
  • Assault by penetration of a child under 13
  • Four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
  • Rape and sexual assault of a woman over 16
  • Possession of indecent images of children
  • Voyeurism

The judge sentenced him to 22 years in jail, along with lifelong inclusion on the UK Sex Offenders Register and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Patel will remain under lifelong notification requirements once released.

His brother Kishan Patel, who owned the device that led to the exposure, was found guilty of making and possessing hundreds of indecent images of children across all categories. He received a 15-month sentence and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Police statement and investigation

Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, who led the investigation, described Patel as a “cowardly, opportunistic offender who preyed on vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification.”

“The threat he poses to women and children has been reflected in his sentence,” DS Blant said. “This is a fantastic example of a thorough and detailed investigation by Met detectives working tirelessly to support victims and safeguard the public.”

Authorities believe Patel’s offending began as early as 2018 and may have continued more recently. Detectives are now appealing for additional victims or witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone who may have encountered Patel in settings involving the care or supervision of children.

Support for victims and public appeal

Victim-survivors identified in the case have been receiving specialist support throughout the investigation and legal process. Police have reiterated that anyone affected by similar crimes or who believes they have information should contact the Metropolitan Police online or via 101, quoting “Operation Castline.”

This case underscores how a seemingly ordinary event — a phone repair — led to the exposure of a serial sexual offender operating undetected for years. Authorities credited the vigilance of the repair technician and swift police action for preventing further harm and bringing long-overdue justice to the victims.

The Metropolitan Police continue to encourage public vigilance, reminding citizens that reporting suspicious material or behaviour can play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable individuals and disrupting networks of abuse.