Former UK Labour MP Ivor Caplin, who represented Hove from 1997 to 2005, was arrested in Brighton following a sting operation by citizen paedophile hunters.
The 66-year-old is accused of engaging in online sexual communication with a 15-year-old boy and allegedly attempted to meet the child in person.
Footage circulated on social media shows a man believed to be Caplin being handcuffed by police, who confiscated his wallet and placed it into an evidence bag. Sussex Police confirmed the arrest, stating that the investigation remains ongoing.
Caplin, who was suspended from the Labour Party months ago over other serious allegations that he denies, is currently in police custody.
The arrest has garnered significant public reaction, particularly as it comes shortly after Caplin appeared on television arguing against the need for a national grooming gang inquiry.
The former MP had also recently condemned Elon Musk for his critical posts about Labour leader Keir Starmer and MP Jess Phillips. In a swift response to the arrest, Musk posted on X, calling Caplin “a creep.” Caplin’s public condemnation of Musk’s statements and his recent legal troubles have only heightened the controversy surrounding the former Defence Minister.
Ex Labour Ivor Caplin Speaking on GB News this week on the subject of Elon Musk & Nigel Farage.
You honestly can’t make this stuff up. pic.twitter.com/dFUSDtGccL
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) January 11, 2025
BREAKING: EX Gov minister who just last week attacked Elon Musk over Rape gane row.. ARRESTED IN PEADO STING!
Former Labour MP Ivor Caplin STUNG trying to meet a TEENAGE BOY to RAPE The 66-year-old was ARRESTED after trying to meet a 15-year-old in Brighton’
Caplin is a… pic.twitter.com/vq5EEIkle7— Knights Templar International (@KnightsTempOrg) January 11, 2025
What a creep https://t.co/FrDy6Cjmby
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 11, 2025
Your children are raped by foreigners, the Police tell you to shut up, they arrest your raped daughter for being drunk, they let the rapists go, they cover it up but when they are found out they vote to not investigate further and at the same time they are out to rape your sons.
‘Jews’ since forever.
Sicko