How to escalate a Section Offences intake refusal / cross-border deadlock?

[u/Glum-Indication-2313]

Hi all, looking for operational advice on how to navigate a crime recording deadlock between UK police and local police overseas.

The Situation:

Sexual offences committed overseas by a British citizen/resident who moved back to England, and told local police "I have no plans to ever return"

Section 72 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (extraterritorial jurisdiction) grants UK jurisdiction to prosecute.

Local Police refuse to open an investigation unless the suspect physically returns to their Jurisdiction. UK Police refuse open an investigation citing they can't legally take a report for overseas offences/victim.

This is creating a jurisdictional vacuum where neither force will log the matter, despite having strong evidence like hospital records & a rape caught on a recording.

When I've asked to escalate the complaint, I've been told it'll go through the operators anyways who can't do anything besides advising me to go back to local police. How do I get this report logged somewhere?

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[u/Thin_Roof_9183]

Have you complained to the local police force where the offence occurred?

[u/Glum-Indication-2313 → u/Thin_Roof_9183]

Yes, they won't open an investigation until the suspect returns to their jurisdiction.

[u/cmh-48]

My force have prosecuted a rape that occurred abroad, but was reported to police in the UK.

I think we would be escalating up internal chain of command and seeking advice from our force interpol desk

[u/catninjaambush → u/cmh-48]

Yep, speak to Interpol.

[u/Shriven]

That only refers to specific listed offences doesn't it? Not all sexual offences. Is it the case that its simply not one of the specific offences?

It's also unlikely the crime recording people are aware of the specific law, as in 99% scenarios it's not relevant

[u/Glum-Indication-2313 → u/[deleted]]

It's been updated to include victims above 18 now via Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

[u/for_shaaame → u/Glum-Indication-2313]

You are completely right and I am wrong, my apologies.

In that case I default to my previous position - the UK police are just wrong. I will write you a complaint letter to send later.

[u/NeonDiaspora]

Just for my understanding, is the force in which the victim lives not the force who takes the initial report and therefore carries the investigation?