Online Blackmail Warning Issued to UK Teachers After Surge in Sextortion Cases

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has alerted hundreds of thousands of educators in the UK following a significant rise in cases of financially motivated sexual extortion, commonly known as ‘sextortion’. This warning comes after global sextortion cases more than doubled in 2023, with victims being targeted across all age groups and genders. The NCA’s CEOP Education team has issued guidance to teachers on identifying signs of sextortion and supporting potential victims. This alert aims to raise awareness and provide assistance to young people at risk.

Mrs. Ros Dowey shared the tragic story of her son Murray, who died by suicide after being deceitfully coerced into sending intimate pictures to criminals posing as a girl online. The devastating impact of sextortion on families like the Doweys underscores the importance of the NCA’s warning to teachers. The surge in cases worldwide, particularly affecting male victims aged 14-18, indicates the urgent need for proactive measures to combat this form of online exploitation.

James Babbage, Director General for Threats at the NCA, emphasized the severity of sextortion as a heartless crime motivated solely by financial gain. The guidance issued to educators includes advice for parents and carers, urging them to openly communicate with their children about the dangers of sextortion and provide support if needed. Acknowledging the prevalence of organised crime groups behind these crimes, the NCA highlighted the rapid escalation of sextortion incidents from initial contact to blackmail in under an hour.

Teachers are encouraged to assist in destigmatizing discussions around sextortion and empowering young people to report any incidents to trusted adults or the appropriate authorities. The NCA’s efforts to address this escalating threat underscore the critical role of educators and guardians in safeguarding vulnerable individuals from falling victim to online blackmail.