Britons in sex-for-aid scandal

Refugees say if they declined sex they got no food

An investigation into reports of child abuse by aid workers in Sierra Leone has discovered allegations against a number of Britons, including United Nations soldiers.

The accusations follow a report by the UNHCR and Save the Children last month which said some aid agency employees were exchanging food and other supplies for sex.

International peacekeepers and aid workers from more than 40 agencies in West Africa were alleged to have sexually exploited young women and children in exchange for money and humanitarian aid.

Many refugees depend on aid agencies

One of the Britons under police investigation is said to have abused children as young as seven, according to an investigation by BBC Radio Five Live.

The man is accused of targeting local refugees that lived on the beach in the Sierra Leonan capital Freetown.

The BBC has also revealed local aid workers to be involved in a thriving black market in humanitarian aid.

In the absence of international monitors, workers are reportedly selling off essential humanitarian supplies in towns around Sierra Leone.

Food, tarpaulins and registration cards, which are supposed to give refugees access to free UN aid, are among the items on sale.

The UNHCR sent a team of investigators into refugee camps in west Africa three weeks ago following the revelations.