Police Investigation Launched After Blackmail Incident In Schwechat
In a troubling incident in Schwechat, a local resident fell victim to a blackmail scheme initiated through the social media platform TikTok. The victim was contacted by an individual who appeared to show interest over several days, eventually leading to a request for explicit photos.
Following four days of communication, the individual urged the Schwechat resident to send nude photographs via the messaging service Telegram. Trusting the supposed romantic interest, the victim complied and sent several intimate images.
However, shortly after submitting the photos, the victim received a threatening message demanding payment of EUR6,000. The message warned that failure to comply would result in the photos being released online alongside fabricated reports. In response, the victim refused to pay the ransom.
As the situation escalated, the blackmailer abruptly reduced the demand to EUR500. Nevertheless, the Schwechat resident remained steadfast in their decision against payment. Instead of succumbing to the threats, the victim opted to report the incident to local authorities.
The police have since initiated an investigation into the matter, seeking to trace the individual responsible for the blackmail. This case highlights the ongoing risks associated with sharing personal and sensitive information online, particularly through social media channels.
Authorities urge individuals to exercise caution when engaging with unknown users on social media platforms and to report any suspicious activities immediately. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.