Teenage boy convicted for fraud and blackmail offences

A teenage boy who defrauded and blackmailed victims across England and Australia has been convicted following an investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) and the Surrey and Sussex Police Cyber Crime Unit.

The 17-year-old from Telford, Shropshire, was sentenced yesterday (2/4) at Telford Magistrates’ Court to:

• A 12 month Intensive Referral Order to work with Restorative Justice
• A two year Criminal Behaviour Order, which covers restrictions on use of electronic devices and internet use, and routine monitoring of devices by police
• Deprivation Order of electronic devices seized during the investigation
• Destruction Order of the herbal cannabis seized during the investigation

Following an appearance at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 13 February, he pleaded guilty to the following charges: 

• Two counts of blackmail
• Five counts of fraud by false representation of the Fraud Act 2006
• Three counts of Unauthorised Computer Access with Intent to Commit Other Offences
• One count of Knowingly or Recklessly Retaining Personal Data Without Consent of Controller
• One count of possession of a controlled drug of Class B, namely cannabis

Between January and April 2024, the boy hacked victims' accounts, executed fraudulent transactions, and blackmailed the victims into payment under the guise that they could then regain control of their accounts.

In January 2024, a victim in Sussex reported that a variety of their online accounts had been hacked, including their email, various social media profiles, and shopping related accounts. The victim had fraudulent orders placed on their Amazon, TikTok, Studio and Very account using their stored card information.

After a thorough investigation by Surrey and Sussex Police Cyber Crime Unit, the offender was identified and arrested. A seized digital device was found to contain over 450 compromised email address and password combinations belonging to other victims, which he had purchased from hacking forums.

There was also evidence of blackmail to five other victims, whereby the boy had sent menacing emails to victims whose accounts they had hacked, and demanded payment in cryptocurrency so the victims could regain control of their accounts and data.

The offences affected victims across England and Australia.

Investigating Officer Mollie Owen from Surrey and Sussex Police Cyber Crime Unit, said:

“The offences committed by this teenager caused a great deal of alarm and distress to his victims. Despite his young age, his actions demonstrated a calculated approach to cybercrime, highlighting the real danger he posed to the public. We are relieved that through dedicated investigative work, this case has been resolved and justice served.

“This investigation also highlights the importance of the public being extra vigilant with their cyber security when using the internet and online accounts. We’re pleased with the outcome of the sentencing, and if the offender had been aged over 18, he would most likely be facing a custodial sentence.

“The South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, and Surrey and Sussex Police are committed to protecting our communities and we will continue to pursue those who exploit the vulnerable for financial gain.”

“In order for us to help prevent further offending and to help with protecting victims from online crime, I urge you to read the guidance and resources available from the South East Cyber Resilience Centre.”