The PSNI have begun a major investigation into the sexual exploitation of children and young people who've gone missing from care in Northern Ireland.
The North's health minister Edwin Poots said the abuse was on an unprecedented scale.
The police have identified a group of 22 young people who may be at risk.
It is feared that groups of older men have targeted vulnerable young people in order to sexually exploit them.
The abuse is thought to have taken place outside care homes.
Speaking to Ulster Television Health Minister Edwin Poots said a significant amount of men were believed to be involved.
"A lot of the men are young men, some of them are as old as 60," Mr Poots added.
The minister said predators were preying upon young people at risk.
"They actually use that vulnerability to do things which are wholly wrong and repugnant to most people," he said.
