A Portsmouth man who helped run a vile online group blackmailing young girls into shameful acts has been slammed with a hefty jail sentence after a National Crime Agency (NCA) probe.
Brutal Telegram Group Exploited Kids
Bradley Talbot, 29, was a key figure in a notorious “Com” group on Telegram boasting 6,000 twisted members. These groups are hubs for criminals committing everything from cybercrime to child sexual abuse.
Talbot’s crew hunted down children aged 12 to 17 on social media. They tricked victims into sending innocent photos before ramping up to demanding indecent images. If the youngsters refused, threats followed – often aimed at exposing the children’s families.
Worst of all, victims were forced to carve their abusers’ names into their skin with sharp objects. More than 100 youngsters were targeted worldwide, with at least a quarter based in the UK.
Despicable Abuse Was Marketed and Livestreamed
Texts revealed Talbot promoted blackmail videos to lure new members, boasting, “It’ll be a good way to entice people to join.” He also took part in live-streamed abuse, directing horrific acts via video chat.
Talbot pleaded guilty to being part of an organised crime gang, facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child under 13, and distributing indecent images. Portsmouth Crown Court locked him up for seven years and six months and slapped on a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
NCA and Experts Speak Out on Harrowing Case
Wayne Johns, NCA Head of CSA Investigations: “Talbot callously ran an online group blackmailing children into the most degrading abuse. These offenders thrive on notoriety, but Talbot also had a sick sexual interest in children. We worked hard to bring him to justice.”
Kerry Smith, Internet Watch Foundation CEO: “We see awful images daily of children forced into sick abuse. Predators like Talbot profit from horrific suffering. But help exists – kids can have images taken down or blocked if threatened.”
Jeanette Smith, CPS Specialist Prosecutor: “Victims were trapped in a nightmare of fear and humiliation. Talbot actively pushed exploitative material to others. Despite attempts to cover his tracks, we built a strong case backed by the NCA, securing his guilty plea.”
Other Members Also Busted – But Fight Against Abuse Continues
The group’s ringleader was caught in Australia and faces trial. Another member, Thomas Govan, was jailed for 20 years in May 2024 after admitting 24 charges, including child rape and making indecent images.
Experts stress the importance of open conversations between children and trusted adults to protect youngsters from online predators. Education professionals and parents can access vital resources at:
