A boy from the Valkenswaard area has fallen victim to digital blackmail. The suspect threatened to spread a video showing how the boy satisfied himself, but the video is not at all of him. The boy went to the police.
The perpetrators did use two real photos of the boy and assembled them with a video that was probably picked somewhere from the internet. So it seemed like he was the main character in the video. Then they demanded money, otherwise they would send the so -called burdensome material to his friends and family.
The police call it a fierce experience for the boy. “Because the real photos of the victim were combined with the video, it all seemed nasty,” said the East Brabant police in a written response. Fortunately the boy did not pay. “That is important. Because those who pay, often see that more money is requested for more.”
Due to the privacy of the boy, the police now don’t want to say more than investigating the case. The distribution or use of this type of manipulated visual material is punishable. The (online) blackmail or intimidation of the boy is also punishable. It is not clear whether someone has already been arrested.
What can you do best if you yourself fall victim to online extortion?
The East Brabant police tips to at least take screenshots of the threats or extortion and any chat conversation with the perpetrator. Then it is best to block the account and report it to the police on 0900-8844.
The operator then makes an estimate of what the sequel will be. Finally, the police advise not to pay at least. “If this does happen, we often see that new or higher amounts are always requested.”