FARUK DAR FROM SURBITON ESCAPES PRISON AFTER GROOMING SCHEME WITH 12-YEAR-OLD IN GUILDFORD

In April 2018, a disturbing case involving online grooming and sexual predation came to light in Surrey. Faruk Dar, also known by the alias Asoka, a 42-year-old resident of Surbiton, appeared before Guildford Crown Court to face serious allegations related to his attempts to engage in sexual activities with a minor.

Dar was arrested following a covert operation conducted by the National Child Protectors, an online child protection team dedicated to investigating predators who groom children for sexual purposes. The operation involved setting up a sting where Dar was monitored as he arrived at a predetermined location, expecting to meet what he believed was a 12-year-old girl for sexual encounters.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the team had arranged for the supposed minor to be a decoy named Chrissy Decoy, an adult posing as a child to catch predators like Dar. When confronted, the team disclosed that the individual Dar believed he was communicating with was not a real child but an adult acting as a decoy.

Evidence presented in court included chat logs where Dar, under the impression he was speaking to a young girl, sent explicit images of his genitalia. The messages contained sexually explicit language, with Dar explicitly stating his desire to take the girl to a hotel for sexual activity. Throughout their conversations, Dar insisted that their exchanges remain confidential, emphasizing secrecy.

The court heard that Dar exhibited a particular obsession with pre-teen girls' bodies, especially their breasts, which he openly expressed in the messages. His conduct demonstrated a disturbing pattern of sexual interest in minors.

As a result of his actions, Dar was sentenced to a two-year community order, which was to run concurrently for each of the five charges he admitted. Part of his sentence required him to complete 80 hours of unpaid community work. Additionally, he was placed under a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restricting his access to the internet and monitoring his online activity to prevent further offenses. Dar was also required to register as a sex offender for the same period.

Furthermore, the court imposed a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement aimed at addressing his behavior. The judge also ordered the destruction of Dar's mobile phone to prevent any further misuse of technology in relation to his offending.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and child protection agencies to combat online grooming and protect vulnerable minors from predators like Faruk Dar.