In the shadow of countless unsolved sex crimes, a ray of hope shines through Operation Painter, an initiative by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit. Since its inception in 2016, the operation has been meticulously sifting through over 5,400 cold cases, harnessing cutting-edge forensic science to seek justice for victims who once thought their assailants would forever evade capture.
The operation’s commitment is exemplified by the case of Karen, whose harrowing experience on her 26th birthday in 1993 remained unresolved for decades. After a night out in Luton, Bedfordshire, Karen’s journey home turned into a nightmare when her taxi driver detoured into darkness and assaulted her. The initial investigation yielded no DNA profile from the evidence collected, leaving Karen’s case to gather dust alongside thousands of others.
However, Operation Painter’s dedication to revisiting these dormant files has changed the narrative. With advancements in forensic analysis, intimate swabs taken from Karen’s attack were re-examined, revealing traces of DNA previously undetected. This breakthrough led to the identification of Zahid Majeed, a Luton taxi driver, whose DNA was on the National Database due to a prior arrest.
Majeed’s conviction in 2021, resulting in a 13-year prison sentence for rape and three for kidnap, is one of nine successful convictions achieved by Operation Painter so far. The operation has brought to court ten cases, with another pending this month, and detectives are actively working on ten live cases.
Behind these numbers lies a deeper impact: the removal of serial offenders from society. Five of the men convicted had previous offenses, underscoring the significance of Operation Painter’s mission. Detective Superintendent Carl Foster, who led the team for over five years, asserts that even one conviction is invaluable for the safety of the public and the peace of mind of the victims.
The operation’s success, however, is not without its challenges. Funding constraints have tightened, and the unit now operates within the Major Crime Unit’s budget. Despite this, the determination to pursue justice remains unwavering. Cases that cannot be advanced today will be revisited as forensic technology evolves.
For victims like Karen, Operation Painter has offered a semblance of closure. The imprisonment of her attacker has liberated her from the confines of her trauma, allowing her to reclaim her freedom. As Detective Constable Hayley Dyas poignantly states, justice has no expiration date, and Operation Painter stands as a testament to that promise.
“Cold Case Investigators: Solving Britain’s Sex Crimes,” a BBC Two documentary, delves into these profound stories, broadcasting the relentless pursuit of justice by Operation Painter and the indomitable spirit of the survivors.
Ig @ mannu mwendwa.
