AI and a Mole: Unraveling the 27-Year Hunt for a Notorious Thailand Scoutmaster

In late 1997, Richard Burrows disappeared before facing court for sexual offenses involving 11 boys. His trail went cold for 27 years until Cheshire Police used facial recognition software to identify him as Peter Smith, a well-known figure in Thailand. Living under a borrowed identity, Burrows thrived in the expat community, skillfully disguising his past while engaging in local business. However, facing deteriorating health and dwindling finances, he chose to return to the UK, ultimately leading to his arrest. Found guilty of 54 child sex offenses, Burrows now awaits sentencing, reflecting a shocking journey from fugitive to found. This case underscores the power of technology in law enforcement and the complexities of identity.