A “master manipulator” has been convicted of grooming and sexually abusing two Jewish boys more than a decade ago.

Jair Philippe Klein, 55, used his position in the Jewish community to befriend and abuse the boys, one of whom was aged 10 to 11 at the time, the other 13 to 14, a London court heard.

In December 2019, police were contacted by two men saying they had been sexually abused by the suspect in the UK, USA, and France between 2010 and 2014. They detailed how Klein had given them gifts and taken them on days out, including to a swimming pool where he would watch them undress. Once alone, he would abuse them.

Harrow Crown Court heard Klein had a previous conviction in Israel for a similar offence for which he received a three-year jail sentence in 2014.

DCI Mark Rogers of the Metropolitan Police said: “Klein abused the trust that had been placed in him by two young children… I would like to praise the bravery of these men in coming forward and telling officers about what happened.”

Rogers’ colleague, DC Philip Maunders, added: “Klein was a master manipulator who groomed two children and their families to make them believe they could be trusted in his care.”

Speaking after the verdict was given, one of Klein’s victims praised the police for their handling of the case and urged anyone else whom the offender had preyed on to come forward too.

“This conviction could never have happened without the dedicated professionalism and determination of the Metropolitan Police and the CPS, who were there every step of the way to ensure justice, treating us with consideration and dignity,” he said.
“[Klein] should never again be free to offend.”

Klein, of Margate, Kent, was found guilty on July 19 of five sexual offences committed against two victims. He will be sentenced at the same court on August 24.