Gardaí move to reassure sextortion blackmail victims that help is at hand

Gardaí described sextortion as being ‘a form of cyber extortion that involves a threat or blackmail if having intimate information, images or (video) clips shared without consent’.

“The threat or blackmail may be to get the victim to do or refrain from doing something, or the threat or blackmail may be purely for money or financial gain.”

As part of the campaign Gardaí have published blackmail messages on social media sent by a man to his former partner demanding sex or else he would share an intimate video.

“It’s just sex. A small price to pay to stop me sending the video to your precious family and friends,” read one of the texts.

When the woman replied ‘I did what you asked. Please get rid of the video’, his chilling reply read - ‘it’s up to you. 4 more times. Tick tock. Tick tock. What would your Granny think of you if she saw the video?’

The text messages formed part of the evidence in a case that came before the courts in 2021, where the perpetrator was convicted of committing sextortion.

Gardaí said that following the February 2021 enactment of the The Harassment, Harmful Communications Related Offences Act (commonly known as Coco’s Law), they have commenced 72 prosecutions related to 49 investigations.

In another case that came before the courts a male was jailed for 12-months after posting intimate images of a woman in a shower caught using a hidden camera.

Gardaí said that sextortion can occur in a number of ways, for example following the breakup of a partnership where either partner could be the victim, during online activity where intimate images are shared with people known to the victim or complete strangers and through sharing images on messaging apps.

They said that in addition to being open to potential sextortion and online bullying, the sharing of any intimate image of a juvenile is Child Sexual Abuse Material.

Gardaí said that according to a report on domestic sexual and gender-based violence published last September of the 471 incidents of reported blackmail/extortion 82% involved male victims, with 30% of all victims aged between 18-24.

Detective Garda Ian Lackey of the Garda National Protection Services Unit they were aware that victims of sextortion may not necessarily realise that what being subjected to was “very serious, criminal and can be subject to prosecution.”

“We have no doubt whatsoever that there are victims experiencing this in silence, who must feel stressed or alone not knowing where to turn, but we are here to help and support,” said Det Garda Lackey.

He said An Garda Síochána was “fully committed to supporting victims to feel fully safe and protected”, urging urged people to contact them in the strictest confidence if they have been affected by sextortion or are currently experiencing it.

“We want people to know that it does not matter what age, gender, background, qualification, profession or personal circumstances you are in – this can happen to anyone. There is no shame or embarrassment to be associated with sextortion,” said Det Garda Lackey.

“Raising awareness of the possible warning signs of sextortion can help in ensuring fewer people are affected, but our campaign is also aimed at shifting public attitudes. Society can support us in our work to increase awareness around these types of crimes,” he added.

Sextortion warning signs:

* Something does not add up — their online profile is not consistent with what you see and hear when you talk or chat with them. * They’re moving too fast — they express strong emotions for you almost straight away and quickly tempt you across to a more private channel, suggesting you get nude or sexual in a video call. * They make excuses — they say their webcam is not working and instead send a nude photo, which they claim is of them. * They say they need help — they say they need money for some sort of personal emergency like medical treatment or to cover the rent.

An Garda Síochána advice: * Don’t panic, help and support is available. * Don’t pay. * Save the evidence: Take screen-shots. Save messages and images. Collect URL links to where the information is being shared online. * Report it to any Garda station as well as via the online reporting facility available on Hotline.ie, so they can process a content removal request. * Block all communication with the person targeting you. * If you are in an intimate relationship and it is happening to you, seek help and report to your local Garda Station. * Advice for parents of children and juveniles sharing images: https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/online-child-exploitation/.