I Was Groomed into a Gang at 12 Years Old

In this emotional episode from OMG Stories: Up Close, our guest shares the unimaginable reality of his childhood — growing up without his parents, escaping abuse at eight years old, and being groomed into organised crime by the age of 11. Exposed to violence, raids and firearms, he viewed guns not as weapons, but as protection in a life-or-death environment. Raided at shotgun point, ironed across the stomach and told “if you don’t shoot, I’ll shoot at you,” he lived every day like it could be his last. But through reflection, therapy and becoming a father, he began his recovery journey — realising that what he’d normalised was trauma. From prison and facing deportation to mentoring young people, speaking at Parliament, and advocating internationally against child criminal exploitation, he now uses his voice to inspire change and show that transformation is possible. From chaos to purpose, from being feared to becoming a symbol of hope — this is a raw and incredibly powerful testimony of survival, resilience and redefining identity. 🎙️ Watch the full interview to hear the complete story of recovery and change. 🔔 Subscribe to OMG Stories: Up Close: @OMGStoriesUpClose 📌 Subscribe to OMG Stories: @OMG_stories