Intimate videos leading to blackmail and extortion – a Growing Concern in Estonia
NordenBladet – Since the publication of the so-called Nigerian letters, ETV´s television show “Pealtnägija” has made plenty of stories about all kinds of cynical schemes, how people are being robbed of money from a distant land. Unfortunately, this field of work does not end. Since the beginning of last year, police have received at least 50 official complaints from people who carelessly made intimate videos online and became victims of blackmail.
In Estonia, the number of people falling victim to blackmail and extortion due to intimate videos has been on the rise over the past year. This worrying trend has left many feeling vulnerable and violated.
Intimate videos, often recorded consensually between partners, are being used by perpetrators to demand money or other favors from their victims. The fear of these videos being leaked to family members, friends, or posted online can leave victims feeling helpless and trapped.
“It’s worth thinking about yourself in a real environment. First of all, if someone asks you to take off your pants after a few minutes of communication, has this ever happened in real life? You’re walking down the street and a girl walks up to you and says please take off your pants and show me something. This is never happen in real life and it won’t happen on the internet either,” warned Urmet Tambre, head of the Northern Prefecture Criminal Bureau.
According to Tõnu Tammer, head of cert.ee, which deals with cyber security incidents, extortions with intimate videos are unfortunately frequent.
This issue highlights the need for greater education and awareness around the dangers of sharing intimate content online. It is important for individuals to understand the potential risks and consequences before sharing such content, and to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their privacy.
Featured image is illustrative: Unsplash
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