Operation into child sextortion leads to an arrest

Woman arrested as co-ordinated strike day takes place investigating sextortion and money laundering.

Early yesterday morning (Wednesday), officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), supported by West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (WMROCU), executed two warrants in Birmingham.

The targeted police operation saw raids at addresses on Greenfinch Road and Kingsbury Road and were the result of intelligence suggesting involvement in sextortion involving a 14-year-old boy.

Both properties were searched resulting in the seizure of digital devices and a small amount of cannabis.

A 38-year-old woman was placed under arrest on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children, possession of Class B drugs, blackmail and money laundering. She has currently been released under investigation while enquires 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 please 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.