Operation Pianora seeks to uncover widespread allegations of misconduct by military doctors during enlistment exams spanning nearly half a century.
LONDON — A sprawling investigation has been launched by U.K. authorities following reports from hundreds of women who say they were sexually abused while undergoing mandatory medical examinations to join the British Army.
The allegations, which cover a period from the 1970s through 2016, have triggered a nationwide police inquiry led by Wiltshire constabulary. Detectives are now working to identify an unknown number of potential suspects believed to have operated at various recruitment centers across the country over the decades.
Dubbed Operation Pianora, the probe was quietly opened earlier this year after an initial wave of complaints regarding “non-recent” abuse. The scale of the accusations has since grown significantly, with a source close to the investigation confirming the number of alleged victims now runs into the hundreds.
Detective Superintendent Darren Hannant, who is heading the inquiry, described the scope of the alleged offending as extensive. “Our inquiries indicate different perpetrators operating at various locations over several decades,” he said, noting that the investigation is still in its early phases with no arrests made so far.
The Ministry of Defence has pledged full cooperation with civilian police. Lt. Gen. David Eastman, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, expressed deep concern that new recruits may have faced such “unacceptable behaviours” at the very start of their military careers.
“We are fully committed to supporting Wiltshire police’s appeal,” Eastman said, urging any other potential victims of criminal or inappropriate conduct during enlistment medicals to come forward.
Veterans Minister Louise Sandher-Jones offered a direct message of support to the accusers, promising the government would “stand with you every step of the way in your fight for justice.”
Police are now appealing to any former recruits who may have experienced unusual or abusive behavior during their entry medicals to contact the investigation team.
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