Former Labour MP Ivor Caplin arrested in child sting operation
- Ivor Caplin faced claims of attempting to court a minor during a child sting operation.
- The activist group Stop Stings has provided evidence to the police related to the case.
- Caplin's arrest has raised concerns about potential additional victims and highlights ongoing issues of child exploitation.
In January 2025, Ivor Caplin, a former Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, was involved in a disturbing incident that led to his arrest. He was confronted by members of an activist group in a child sting operation, who alleged that he attempted to engage in inappropriate conversations with someone they were portraying as a 15-year-old boy. The incident took place at a railway station, where videos surfaced on social media showing Caplin being confronted and eventually handcuffed by police officers. Following the confrontation, Sussex Police confirmed that a local man, a 66-year-old identified as Caplin, was taken into custody as part of an ongoing investigation. Caplin, who served as a Labour MP for Hove from 1997 to 2005 and held a position as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defense under Tony Blair, firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating he did not intend to meet any children. This arrest came after a history of controversy surrounding Caplin, including a suspension from the Labour Party in June 2024 due to serious undisclosed allegations. Caplin's recent public statements included fierce criticism of tech billionaire Elon Musk, who had made contentious remarks regarding child grooming gangs in the UK, accusing political figures of not acting decisively. Musk responded to the news of Caplin's arrest by expressing disdain on social media. The authorities are treating this case seriously, indicating there may be more alleged victims involved, as Caplin's actions came to light through a vigilante group committed to exposing individuals seeking to exploit minors.