An ex-nursery employee from north London has admitted to 30 additional sexual offences as the Metropolitan Police continues one of its most intricate child sexual abuse investigations.
On Thursday, January 29, Vincent Chan, 45, a British national residing on Stanhope Avenue in Finchley, appeared at Highbury Magistrates’ Court for the first time regarding the new charges.
Chan entered guilty pleas for 30 offences, which include 12 counts of taking and making indecent images of children, one count of sexual assault, 11 counts of voyeurism, and six counts of outraging public decency.
Details of the Offences
The charges involve 16 victims, 10 of whom were minors at the time of the offences. Given the complex nature and extent of Chan’s criminal activities, police have worked diligently to identify the victims, although some remain unnamed.
On December 3, 2025, Chan had already pleaded guilty to 26 charges related to other child sexual offences. He is scheduled to be sentenced for all charges on February 12 at Wood Green Crown Court.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, who is overseeing the investigation, stated:
“Vincent Chan is a dangerous and predatory individual, and the scale of his abhorrent offending is shocking. Chan’s history shows that he has sought positions of trust involving contact with young girls, allowing him to commit his crimes without detection for an extended period. He has consistently exploited the trust of those around him, proving to be a threat to all girls and women.”
Basford expressed gratitude to the community for their cooperation during the investigation and reaffirmed the commitment to support victims and their families. The police are collaborating closely with the NSPCC to ensure that every affected family receives necessary assistance.
Investigation Background
Chan’s guilty plea follows an investigation initiated by the Metropolitan Police after his arrest on June 11, 2024. At the time of his arrest, officers seized Chan’s devices, which revealed hundreds of images and videos depicting child sexual offences.
Investigators meticulously examined all of Chan’s personal devices, extending their inquiry beyond his initial conviction. A total of 69 devices were retrieved and analyzed, containing a substantial amount of incriminating material.
Among the findings, officers discovered numerous offences that predate the serious child sexual offences to which he had previously admitted guilt. Prior to his employment at a nursery in West Hampstead, Chan had worked in another educational institution in North London from 2007 to 2017.
It was uncovered that while employed there, he had covertly filmed on the premises, using cameras to capture upskirting images of children. Chan had also recorded videos of himself engaging in sexual acts while alone at the location.
Additionally, footage recovered by investigators indicated that Chan had placed hidden cameras around his home, presumably to capture private moments, such as individuals changing clothes. He also recorded himself sexually assaulting a woman while she was asleep, believed to have occurred in Finchley.
While already in custody, further charges were brought against Chan, with 15 additional counts of child sexual offences filed on January 16, followed by another 15 counts on January 29.
Chan remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Individuals wishing to speak with Metropolitan Police detectives or report information related to Chan can contact the police via email at OpLanark@met.police.uk or by calling 101 within the UK, referencing CAD3697/1DEC.
For those in England or Wales affected by this investigation, the independent charity National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) offers support through its dedicated helpline at 0800 028 0828, available from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 6 pm on weekends. This helpline provides information and assistance, as well as a means to report any concerns regarding children or share information about this case. Callers can receive support from child protection specialists who can advise and take necessary actions.
Additionally, Childline, operated by the NSPCC, is available for children and young people seeking support or facing challenges. Childline can be reached 24/7 at 0800 1111, with calls being free and confidential. Children can also contact Childline online.
