British police identify more than 270 individuals linked to online sexual abuse networks exposed by W5 investigation

After a W5 investigation British police have announced a national response to combat organized networks of offenders accused of drugging and assaulting women.

Warning: Graphic content

British police have announced a co-ordinated national response to combat organized networks of offenders accused of drugging, sexually assaulting and secretly recording women before sharing videos and images of the abuse online.

In a press release on Thursday, investigators with the U.K.’s National Crime Agency (NCA) say they have identified more than 270 individuals linked to one online forum, leading to at least 14 investigations in the U.K. and internationally.

The announcement follows reporting by CTV News’ investigate unit W5, which infiltrated a global online community of men who allegedly drugged their wives and intimate partners before filming and sharing videos of the assaults. Led by managing editor Avery Haines, the undercover investigation exposed links between Canadian suspects and a broader international network.

One of those men was Hamilton, Ont., resident Bryan Hayward.

In June, Hayward pleaded guilty to 21 charges involving seven women, including sexual assault, voyeurism and distributing intimate images without consent. In court, Hayward admitted to drugging, raping, videotaping and repeatedly sharing videos of the abuse.

W5 identified Hayward through its investigation and alerted Hamilton police to his connection to the online network more than a year before his guilty plea.

The NCA says organized drug-facilitated sexual assault is an “evolving threat” often rooted in intimate-partner relationships. Victims are allegedly sedated with drugs and may have little or no memory of what occurred.

Investigators say offenders increasingly use online platforms to connect with one another, exchange material and normalize abusive behaviour across international borders.

Last week, authorities from Canada, the United States, France, Brazil and several European countries met in London to co-ordinate intelligence on suspects, victims and online communities linked to the crimes.

Investigators say more than 150 offenders and victims were identified through the effort, while hundreds of new international investigations were launched. The agency warns the true scale of the offending is likely far greater because many victims may never realize they were assaulted.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling.
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.