Collin Vargo charged with cyberflashing and sexual assault in Canary Wharf and Charlton
American businessman remanded in custody ahead of January 2027 trial at Woolwich Crown Court
Incident → evidence → outcomeAn American businessman has been charged with multiple sexual offences after allegedly targeting women in Canary Wharf and Charlton earlier this year. Collin Vargo, 29, faces three counts of cyberflashing, one count of sexual assault and one count of exposure. The charges relate to incidents between February and May 2024.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that all three alleged victims are women. The offences are said to have occurred in Canary Wharf, Charlton and Eastbourne, though only the London locations fall within the force’s jurisdiction. Vargo was remanded in custody following a brief hearing at Woolwich Crown Court on 20 August.
Trial set for January 2027
Woolwich Crown Court listed the trial for January 2027. Vargo has not yet been asked to enter a formal plea. He remains detained at HMP Berwyn in North Wales, where he has been held since his arrest. The court did not set a date for a plea hearing.
Cyberflashing became a criminal offence in England and Wales on 31 January 2024 under the Online Safety Act. The law covers sending unsolicited images of genitals via any electronic means, including messaging apps, Bluetooth or AirDrop. Offenders can face up to two years in prison if convicted.
What happens next
Vargo’s case will return to Woolwich Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The court has not yet published a date for that hearing. If he pleads not guilty, the trial will proceed in January 2027. The Crown Prosecution Service will present evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police.
Residents in Canary Wharf and Charlton can report concerns to the Metropolitan Police via 101 or online. The force has not issued any specific warnings related to this case but advises anyone who experiences cyberflashing to preserve evidence and contact police immediately.
Questions this report answers
01What is Collin Vargo accused of?
Collin Vargo, 29, is charged with three counts of cyberflashing, one count of sexual assault and one count of exposure. The alleged offences occurred between February and May 2024 in Canary Wharf and Charlton, involving three women.
02Where is Collin Vargo being held?
Vargo is remanded in custody at HMP Berwyn in North Wales. He has been held there since his arrest and will remain detained until his trial in January 2027 at Woolwich Crown Court.
03When did cyberflashing become a crime?
Cyberflashing became a criminal offence in England and Wales on 31 January 2024 under the Online Safety Act. The law covers sending unsolicited images of genitals via electronic means, with a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
04What should I do if I experience cyberflashing?
The Metropolitan Police advises preserving any evidence, such as screenshots or messages, and reporting the incident immediately via 101 or online. No specific warnings have been issued in relation to this case.
Support is available without a police report
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