19-Year-Old Arrested for Creating Fake Profile, Blackmailing Victims Through Video Call Scam

On February 17, 2024, Police Deputy Commissioner Thatchai Pitaneelabut, along with other senior police officers and the International Protection Alliance (IPA), arrested Hassan (a pseudonym), 19, in Yala province for online sexual fraud. The suspect created a fake Instagram profile using an attractive woman's photo, initiating romantic conversations and luring victims into video calls. He would play downloaded nude video clips, claiming it was himself, and then secretly record the victim's reactions. The perpetrator would then blackmail victims, threatening to release their private videos online if they did not pay. Police investigators tracked and arrested the suspect, who confessed to the crimes. Police Commissioner Thatchai expressed concern about online predators targeting youth, noting that such incidents can lead to severe psychological trauma and even suicide among victims.