Man stalked 121 people by stealing their photos and finding them on ancestry websites

A man has been jailed for stalking 121 people and making them live in fear of violence.

Vishaal Vijapura, 28, previously pleaded guilty to seven counts of stalking and was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court yesterday.

But the true number of victims may have been much higher than 121.

Vijapura, of Shirley in Croydon, had often taken images of the victims off their personal social media profiles and published them.

Accompanying this, captions would state they enjoyed outlandish sexual gratification and would include their personal details, encouraging serious sexual violence to be carried out against them.

He sent many of his victims direct messages about vile topics and sexualised themes.

Evidence showed after identifying his targets online, he would pay for online services to find their full names, addresses and contact details.

In some cases he even paid an ancestry website so he could obtain even more detailed personal information about the victims and their families.

His behaviour came to light in January 2021 when police were made aware of a list Vijapura had published containing personal details of several women, alongside a letter attempting to justify raping them.

 Provided by Metro Vijapura was jailed for two years and eight months at Croydon Crown Court yesterday (Picture: Rex / Shutterstock)

A huge police investigation ensued which spanned 16 force areas.

Vijapura was arrested on January 28 last year and then bailed, with conditions, while his electronic devices were reviewed.

More victims came to light during the police investigation.

He was arrested again on March 19 that year in relation to a new offence, and it became clear he had breached his bail conditions.

After victims provided evidence and impact statements, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges to illustrate the overarching stalking behaviour Vijapura had shown towards the 121 known people affected.

Vijapura was jailed for two years and eight months and also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for a term lasting five years.

Detective inspector Paul Smith, from the South Area Public Protection Unit, said: ‘The dedication and commitment from the officers working on the case, with national support from colleagues across the UK, has meant that Vijapura can no longer put these victims at fear of violence. Some of the victims police have contacted were too scared to venture out alone after the threats received from Vijapura.

‘The internet is now a safer place with future proofing against ongoing offending from this man in the form of a custodial sentence. This kind of criminality is dangerous and offensive and will absolutely not be tolerated.

‘The victims in the case have shown great strength in coming forward. They have supported the investigation and provided evidence of how Vijapura’s misogynistic behaviour has deeply affected their lives. it is wholly right that he has received a custodial sentence.’

Anyone who may have further evidence about this case should call the police on 101. 

Reference: Metro: Sian Elvin