Ex-Scout leader arrested in Thailand after 27 years

A former Scout leader, Richard Burrows, was found guilty of 54 child sex crimes after evading justice for 27 years. He had abused 24 boys between 1968 and 1995 across various regions in England. In 1997, just before he was set to appear in court, Burrows fled to Thailand using a stolen identity, living as "Peter Smith." During his time in Thailand, Burrows managed to avoid capture while living as a successful salesman. He even mixed with local officials and was seen as a respected figure by some in the community. Despite multiple police efforts to find him and several public appeals for information, he remained at large for years. In April 2023, a new investigation using artificial intelligence and a tip-off led to a breakthrough. Detectives used advanced facial recognition software to find Burrows. After sifting through billions of images, they identified a man in Thailand who matched his description. Subsequently, they confirmed his identity. Burrows was on the verge of returning to the UK in March 2024 when authorities were alerted by a family member. He was arrested upon landing at Heathrow Airport. During the arrest, police found evidence that he had been following news about himself online, showing he was aware of the ongoing hunt for him. Detectives used a facial recognition tool called PimEyes, which has sparked debate due to its controversial use by police. Critics warn about the lack of regulation regarding this type of technology. Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson stated that Burrows' case should serve as a warning to others who think they can escape justice. His abuse often occurred while he was in trusted positions, where he befriended young boys to exploit them. Now, after decades, Burrows is finally facing the consequences of his actions.