Over 500 Scottish sex offenders exploit name change loophole

Recent data from Police Scotland reveals that over 500 registered sex offenders have changed their names in the last two years, exploiting a legal loophole that has raised concerns among lawmakers. The Scottish Conservatives, who obtained the figures through a Freedom of Information request, argue that this practice endangers public safety by allowing offenders to potentially remain anonymous. Shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr criticized the Scottish National Party (SNP) for failing to address this issue and called for urgent legislative changes to close the loophole. The statistics show 506 name changes recorded between April 2023 and March 2025, with a notable increase in the latest financial year. In contrast, the UK Labour Government has pledged to include measures in the Crime and Policing Bill to prevent such name changes, putting pressure on the SNP to follow suit. Police Scotland asserts that sex offender notification requirements still apply regardless of name changes, but critics insist that stronger safeguards are necessary to protect the public.