20/01/2016

Police Issue Warning Over Cyber Related Blackmail

Police have issued a warning to the public following several reports of cyber-related blackmail.

Recently, men have been asked to perform or participate in a sexual act online which is recorded and then used to blackmail the individual with threats of uploading the material on to social media platforms, according to the PSNI.

Detective Sergeant Neil Maxwell said: "Some victims have paid money because they have felt embarrassed and this usually involves a Western Union transfer to an account in the Ivory Coast.

"We want anyone who has been the victim of this type of crime to come forward. Do not feel pressurised into paying money as this is unlikely to resolve the issue. We are seeing an increase in these types of crime and we can help you.

"Finally, don't do anything online that you wouldn't be prepared to do in public."

(CD/JP)

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