Police have reported today that there is an alarming rise in cases of extortion through the use of private photos and videos.
A statement on the Police website today says that cases involving threats to expose private images for extortion, as well as the illegal sale and circulation of such images online without consent, are among the most commonly reported incidents.
Police said most cases involve images shared privately within a trusted relationship. Once that relationship ends, those images are then misused to damage reputations, intimidate, or seek personal gain.
"These are considered serious offences. Victims face psychological and social harm, as well as loss of dignity. In a society that values family and respect, the consequences of such crimes are severe," the statement reads.
Police caution that avoiding the creation, sharing, or storing of private images on digital platforms can help prevent blackmail and related offences.
They urged the public to bear in mind that once imagery or information is shared, it goes out of one's control and is at the risk of misuse.
Police appealed to the public to avoid sharing such images or enabling these acts, warning that any involvement may constitute an offence.
Police encourages anyone facing blackmail or similar offences to report the matter promptly.
Police asserted that the strictest legal action will be taken against perpetrators of such crimes.
