Elon Musk vows to fund UK Rape Gang Inquiry against 'corrupt officials'

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has pledged to help fund legal actions connected to grooming gangs after an investigation identified at least 85 local authorities where child sexual exploitation has taken place.

Writing on his social media platform X, Musk said: "I would like to help fund legal actions against corrupt officials who aided and abetted the rape of Britain, per the official government inquiry. Please reply below for consideration."

His comment was in response to a post by Rupert Lowe MP, chair of the Rape Gang Inquiry, who announced the latest findings on Tuesday.

Lowe claimed the investigation had uncovered evidence of widespread abuse and official failings, calling it "one of the most comprehensive exposés of the rape gang scandal to date."

The Rape Gang Inquiry, launched to examine patterns of group-based child sexual exploitation, has drawn on thousands of Freedom of Information requests, testimonies from survivors and families, and evidence from whistleblowers.

According to its most recent update, cases have been recorded across the UK, from Aberdeen to Plymouth, with some instances dating back to the 1960s.

The inquiry's interim findings suggest that exploitation was often perpetrated by organised groups, with patterns of abuse linked to failings by local authorities and law enforcement agencies.

Survivors have long argued that their cases were ignored or mishandled by officials, with accusations of negligence and, in some instances, deliberate cover-ups.

Mr Lowe said the inquiry will begin public hearings later this year, allowing survivors to give evidence directly and enabling experts to shape policy recommendations.

He also criticised what he described as government inaction, claiming that despite pledges of nationwide action, progress had been limited.

Child sexual exploitation scandals in towns such as Rotherham, Rochdale, and Telford have already led to a number of high-profile convictions in recent years.

Independent reviews into those cases found that victims were frequently dismissed or disbelieved, and that authorities were slow to intervene.

The inquiry has stated that safeguarding victims remains its central priority. It has pledged to write to all affected local authorities demanding transparency and cooperation as the investigation continues.