Garda Protected Services Bureau - Sextortion advice

Detective Superintendent Ian Lackey of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau was in studio to offer advice about Sextortion and how The Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 has given An Garda Síochána additional powers to deal with complaints.

An Garda Síochána is committed to protecting and supporting all victims and ensuring that keeping people safe and safeguarding human rights are central to the work being carried out.

An Garda Síochána recognises the harm that is being done to individuals, families and our society due to Sextortion

An Garda Síochána wants to reassure people that they will work exceptionally hard and in a professional, dedicated and consistent way bring those involved in this type of crime to justice.

Warning signs:

Something does not add up — their online profile is not consistent with what you see and hear when you talk or chat with them.

It happens too fast — they express strong emotions for you almost straight away, and quickly tempt you across to a more private channel, suggesting you get nude or sexual in a video call.

They make excuses — they say their webcam is not working and instead send a nude photo which they claim is of them.

They say they need help — they say they need money for some sort of personal emergency like medical treatment or to cover the rent….

Advice to victims:

Don’t panic, help and support is available.
Don’t pay.
Save the evidence: Take screenshots/Save messages/images. Collect URL links to where the information is being shared online.
Report it to HOTLINE.IE to request removal of image.
Report it to Gardaí.
Block all communication with the person targeting you.

New Legislation:

Since the commencement of the legislation An Garda Síochána has commenced 72 prosecutions related to 49 investigations, under the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.
The Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 commenced on the 10th February 2021. It is anticipated that the numbers of prosecutions will continue to rise as further reports and the consequent criminal investigations progress.
An Garda Síochána continues to partner with Hotline.ie which has created an online reporting facility that enables victims of intimate image abuse (IIA) to report this type of criminal activity to Gardaí, via the hotline website, while simultaneously making an Intimate Image Abuse (IIA) content removal request. Where victims request same, Gardaí will conduct a thorough criminal investigation with a view to prosecuting offenders, while Hotline will engage with the relevant service provider to seek the removal of the harmful content reported.

Hotline Statistics – February 2023

Between September to December 2021 there were 86 contacts withHotline.ie in relation to Intimate Image Abuse(IIA)

Between January and December 2022 there were 688 contacts withHotline.ie in relation to Intimate Image Abuse(IIA)

There has been a 93% successful removal rate by Hotline.ie in relation in to Intimate images

On average removal occurs with 0-3 days

Role of society:

There is a role for society by stopping Inappropriate behaviour, which is an area where society will have to come together to eradicate it.

We in An Garda Síochána will deal with the criminal aspect but to truly eradicate this type of crime, we need the assistance of the public

Everyone must face up and speak up to change society’s attitudes and to increase awareness around these types of crimes.