Woman arrested by North East police in 'sextortion' and indecent images raids
by David Huntley · ChronicleLiveA woman has been arrested in connection with a "sextortion" investigation after a series of raids were carried out by North East police.
The woman was arrested on Wednesday morning after officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) executed two warrants in Birmingham. Police say the targeted operation was the result of intelligence that suggested "involvement in sextortion involving a 14-year-old boy".
The properties were searched and digital devices and a small amount of cannabis were seized. A 38-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children, possession of Class B drugs, blackmail and money laundering. She has been released under investigation while inquires continue.
NEROCU Detective Sergeant James Woodcock, part of NEROCU’s Proactive Economic Crime Team, said: “We take investigations into sextortion incredibly seriously, especially when involving a child. These warrants are a clear demonstration of the lengths we’ll go to pursue suspects, and anyone looking to exploit and blackmail others.
“This has been a fantastic team response with our law enforcement partners and I would like to thank everyone involved in the execution of these warrants. Our work to investigate these crime types will continue and under the banner of Operation Sentinel we’ll continue to work with our partners to tackle all forms of Serious and Organised Crime like sextortion.”
If you’ve been a victim of sextortion you can reach out to police, there is support available and you can help prevent others becoming a victim. Alternatively, you can report via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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