Minnesota Detective's Online Sleuthing Thwarts British Man's Plot to Kill TV Host

A Minnesota police detective's vigilance in an online chatroom led to the arrest and conviction of a British man who plotted to kidnap and murder popular English TV personality Holly Willoughby. The collaboration between U.S. and U.K. authorities highlights the growing role of the internet in transnational crime prevention.

In a case that underscores the power of online monitoring to thwart heinous crimes, a Minnesota detective's routine surveillance of a crime-ridden chatroom led to the arrest and conviction of a U.K. man who schemed to kidnap and murder popular English TV personality Holly Willoughby.

The Minnesota detective, who remains unnamed, had been delving into an online chat called "Abduct Lovers" on Kik, an instant messaging app that allows users to maintain anonymity. Using the alias David Nelson, he encountered 37-year-old Gavin Plumb's disturbing plan to kidnap and murder Willoughby.

Minnesota Detective's Online Sleuthing Thwarts British Man's Plot to Kill TV Host

Owatonna Police Chief Jeff Mundale praised the detective's dedication to online investigations, noting that such endeavors require creativity, trust-building, and an unwavering online presence. Mundale highlighted the importance of these covert operations in tackling sex trafficking, rape-for-hire, and illegal firearms transactions, often involving minors.

Recognizing the imminent danger to Willoughby, the detective alerted FBI authorities, who promptly contacted London Metropolitan Police and Essex Police. The swift and coordinated response between law enforcement agencies in both countries underscores the gravity of the situation and the effectiveness of transnational teamwork.

Minnesota Detective's Online Sleuthing Thwarts British Man's Plot to Kill TV Host

On July 4, U.K. authorities expressed their gratitude for the Minnesota officer's undercover work after Plumb, of Potters Field, Harlow, was convicted of soliciting Willoughby's murder, encouraging or assisting in her kidnapping, and encouraging or assisting in her rape.

Essex Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood described Plumb as "a dangerous and predatory individual" who harbored a sinister plan to inflict severe harm on his victim. Wood revealed that Plumb's obsession with Willoughby dated back to 2021 and that he had spent years meticulously plotting his violent assault.

Minnesota Detective's Online Sleuthing Thwarts British Man's Plot to Kill TV Host

Essex police revealed that Plumb conducted extensive research to devise a foolproof plan for kidnapping Willoughby from her home. He also acquired items like metal cable ties, ropes, and chloroform to execute his heinous act.

During an online conversation in October 2023, Plumb unknowingly shared his sinister plans with the Minnesota detective posing as a like-minded individual. This crucial communication provided the authorities with irrefutable evidence to flag Plumb to U.K. officials.

Minnesota Detective's Online Sleuthing Thwarts British Man's Plot to Kill TV Host

Plumb's prior convictions for false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping of women, including two 16-year-old girls, served as further proof of his dangerous nature.

Following his arrest, Plumb's videotaped confession captured his chilling words: "I'm not gonna lie, she's a fantasy of mine." During his trial, Plumb attempted to dismiss his murder plot as a mere "fantasy," but the jury remained unmoved by his defense.

Minnesota Detective's Online Sleuthing Thwarts British Man's Plot to Kill TV Host

Holly Willoughby expressed her sincere gratitude to the undercover officer and the prompt response of the Metropolitan and Essex police forces, recognizing the invaluable protection they provided. She emphasized the importance of women feeling safe in their daily lives and homes.

Chief Mundale highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Owatonna Police Department Detective Unit to monitor criminal activities online, emphasizing the vast geographic reach and transnational impact of their investigations.

Minnesota Detective's Online Sleuthing Thwarts British Man's Plot to Kill TV Host

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the evolving nature of crime in the digital age, where online platforms can be exploited by dangerous individuals. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies across borders is essential in combating such threats and ensuring the safety of our communities.