Dubai Police save 16-year-old from blackmailer within 24 hours

A 16-year-old boy was saved in the nick of time by the Dubai Police after he reported a cybercriminal via the police's e-crime platform, officials revealed during a conference on February 26. A top official said a criminal, who pretended to be from a "well-known family", had contacted the boy and offered him money and luxury items in exchange for some photos of his.
Captain Abdullah Al Shehhi from the cybercrime department said the boy reported the criminal to the police after his father advised him to do so. "The police dealt with the case within 24 hours and offered counselling to the boy," said the official.
This was among the 15 blackmailing cases involving children that the police dealt with in 2018. "Children having easy access to smart phones may threaten their safety if parents don't supervise and guide them," said Captain Abdullah.
The first Cybercrime Forum heard that the number of blackmailing cases has been increasing over the years. In 2018, the police recorded 175 cases, as compared to 112 in 2017 and 87 in 2016.
The forum brought together 100 experts from 24 government and private entities.
Dubai residents can use the police's smart channels to report cybercrime, Major-General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, assistant commander-in-chief of the Dubai Police for criminal investigation, said. "Our smart services help victims report crimes around the clock without the fear of a social scandal and breach of privacy. The police will offer psychological and technical support to the victims," the officer said.
amira@khaleejtimes.com