UK Man Linked to The Com Sentenced for Abusing 117 Girls
Summary
Justin Swaddle was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to child sexual abuse offenses and blackmail. The U.K. National Crime Agency identified 117 female victims, aged 13 to 17, and linked him to The Com.
Key points
- Swaddle pleaded guilty to child sexual abuse offenses and blackmail and received a two-year prison sentence.
- The National Crime Agency identified 117 female victims worldwide, aged 13 to 17; eight were in the U.K.
- Investigators linked Swaddle to The Com, a loosely organized network associated with extortion, sextortion, violence and other cybercrime.
- He contacted victims through Snapchat, Telegram and Discord, and investigators found hundreds of sexually explicit conversations on his devices.
- One victim said Swaddle used her personal details to pressure her into providing further images and videos.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Sentencing following a guilty plea for child sexual abuse offenses and blackmail carried out through an online abuse campaign.
- Impact
- The National Crime Agency identified 117 female victims aged 13 to 17 worldwide, including eight in the United Kingdom. The campaign involved threats and pressure to obtain images, videos, and other acts. Swaddle was sentenced to two years in prison and required to register as a sex offender.
People
Threat Actors
Justin SwaddleAdmitted to child sexual abuse offenses and blackmail in an online campaign. The National Crime Agency said he was part of The Com.The ComDescribed as a loosely organized cybercriminal network whose members engage in violence, extortion, sextortion, and other cybercrime. The National Crime Agency identified Swaddle as part of the network.
Products
DiscordThe National Crime Agency linked him to sextortion, blackmail, and child sexual abuse offenses carried out through Snapchat, Telegram, and Discord.SnapchatThe National Crime Agency linked him to sextortion, blackmail, and child sexual abuse offenses carried out through Snapchat, Telegram, and Discord.TelegramThe National Crime Agency linked him to sextortion, blackmail, and child sexual abuse offenses carried out through Snapchat, Telegram, and Discord.
Countries
United KingdomA 20-year-old man in the United Kingdom was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to an online abuse campaign that victimized 117 girls across multiple countries while he was associated with The Com.United Statesand United States has been extremely active over the past few months in bringing Com-affiliated members to justice.