Man Detained After Red Rose UK Operation While Already Under Police Investigation

MAN DETAINED AFTER RED ROSE UK OPERATION WHILE ALREADY UNDER POLICE INVESTIGATION

We at Red Rose UK conducted a safeguarding operation involving Wayne Chown, originally from Lydd and now living in Stockton-on-Tees.

Prior to any sting activity, police had already begun an investigation after indecent images were reportedly found on a device linked to Mr Chown.

Subsequently, in June 2025, he was stung by the safeguarding teams Justice Reborn and The Underworld, relating to allegations of inappropriate online conversations with someone he believed to be a child.

He was later released on police bail while that investigation continued.

During one of our own proactive online safeguarding operations, a Red Rose UK decoy account was contacted by Mr Chown.

We documented conversations in which he used graphic and concerning sexual language, believing he was speaking to a child.

He repeatedly encouraged the decoy to continue talking, raising immediate safeguarding concerns.

Throughout the exchange, Mr Chown engaged in what we considered highly inappropriate sexualised discussion, sent sexualised images of himself, and asked for sexual content in return, according to our logs.

He also attempted to arrange a meeting, believing the account to belong to a 13-year-old child.

All evidence from the operation has now been provided to Cleveland Police, who are reviewing the material as part of an active investigation.

As with any ongoing case, these matters are allegations and will be addressed through the formal criminal justice process.