AROne of the largest cases that the Revenge Porn Helpline has dealt with since the start of their operation has now hit headlines as a serial sex offender is facing years behind bars. The Helpline has been working with the National Crime Agency to support victims of one of the largest online sexual offences that the agency has seen, removing thousands of images online involving incredibly disturbing content.
Having made contact with over 2,000 people across the globe, the offender blackmailed and sold footage of victims whilst pretending to be wealthy and promising large amounts of money to those who were contacted. The women were horrifically abused with very young children being targeted.
Of the 79 victims that were involved, many felt scared of what would happen if they did not comply. The Revenge Porn Helpline has worked non-stop over the past two years to remove the images that were taken and shared online, supporting the National Crime Agency in their investigation and ultimately bringing the sex offender to justice.
Sophie Mortimer, of the Revenge Porn Helpline, said:
We have been working with the National Crime Agency to remove the online content on behalf of the victims for over 18 months. We have managed to remove thousands of images but there is more outstanding and this work will continue for many months to come. This content is some of the most extreme that the Helpline has ever dealt with. It is not simply nudity or sexually graphic, it is violent, degrading and deeply harmful. The impact of the sharing of this content is devastating and life-changing and should not be underestimated.
Tony Cook, NCA Head of CSA operations, said:
I commend the victims for their bravery and I urge anyone who is being abused online to report it. There is help available. Sadly, there are very many offenders like Elahi who mask their real identities with convincing personas to exploit both children and adults. I urge parents to speak with their children about who they communicate with online and what they share. People need to understand these offences can happen to anyone.
The work of the Revenge Porn Helpline is vital in supporting victims of intimate image abuse. Cases such as these show how common it is for abusers to exploit innocent people and the ongoing harm it can cause.
We would encourage anyone who has been affected by this case, or anything like it, to come forward to the Helpline where they can speak to us in confidence. If your images have been shared online we will do everything we can to help get them removed.
If you have had your intimate images shared or are affected by this case, you can get free support from the helpline by emailing help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk
You can also find out more by visiting their website
*The Revenge Porn Helpline was created and is operated by SWGfL
