Man charged over net sex blackmail
The Age
Thursday April 1, 2010
A MAN who allegedly blackmailed teenage girls as young as 13 for sex was yesterday arrested in Collingwood.The man, from Frankston and aged about 24, is alleged to have developed online relationships with the teenagers through computer social networks.But once he learnt potentially compromising or embarrassing information about the teenagers, he then allegedly used that information to blackmail them into sexual relationships.Police believe the girls were told that if they confided to anyone about the relationship their secrets would be exposed online.The man was arrested as part of a joint Sexual Crimes Squad and Nunawading Crime Investigation Unit which began last year.The suspect was being interviewed by detectives last night and was expected to face an out-of-session court hearing over multiple rape offences.It is believed police have already identified at least five victims €” although detectives believe that an even larger number of girls aged between 13 and 15 may have been trapped by his scheming.Police have seized at least one computer from the man containing a number of images and computer conversations.The investigation is continuing.Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
© 2010 The Age