Online Blackmailer Behind Sickening Abuse Targets Nearly 2,000 Victims Worldwide
A brutal online predator is set to face years behind bars after a chilling National Crime Agency (NCA) probe uncovered his twisted global abuse network. Elahi, from Sparkhill, Birmingham, preyed on almost 2,000 victims — forcing some to self-harm and abuse family members, including children as young as eight months old.
How Elahi Tricked and Tortured Victims
- Posed as a wealthy businessman or stockbroker on sugar daddy websites.
- Targeted vulnerable victims, including those in debt or underage.
- Tricked them into sending naked or partially clothed images.
- Promised thousands of pounds, sending fake payment screenshots to deceive victims.
- Moved conversations to encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to avoid detection.
- Threatened to expose victims’ images to friends and family unless more images were sent.
- Forced some victims to abuse themselves, siblings, or children; sold footage in ‘box sets’ online.
The NCA revealed he contacted over 600 people in the UK alone and nearly 1,400 women in the US, with victims spanning 20 countries including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Horrific Crimes and International Hunt
Elahi’s crimes, spanning from January 2017 to August 2020, include:
- Blackmail
- Disclosing private sexual images to cause distress
- Making and distributing indecent images of children
- Encouraging sexual assault of children and sexually assaulting a boy
- Fraud and possession of over 65,000 indecent images, including abuse of babies
He made more than £25,000 selling illegal footage via cloud storage and encrypted apps.
Arrested in December 2018 after blackmailing a 15-year-old girl in America, Elahi’s devices were seized and analysed across multiple countries. He pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court, where 79 victims were identified and safeguarded.
Authorities Speak Out on Dark Web Monster
“Elahi’s sadistic depravity is horrifying. He showed zero empathy and actively pushed victims to desperation,” said Tony Cook, NCA Head of CSA operations.
“The trauma these victims face will last a lifetime. We thank our international partners, especially the FBI, for their help.”
Sophie Mortimer from the Revenge Porn Helpline added, “This is some of the most extreme content we have ever dealt with — violent, degrading, and deeply harmful. Removing it is a long and painful process.”
Co-Conspirator Also Faces Justice
Kirsty Nicholls, 35, of Northolt, Middlesex, who met Elahi on a sugar daddy site, admitted two sexual assaults of a child and making indecent images. She will be sentenced alongside Elahi in September.
Speak Up. Get Help.
If you believe you were a victim or have information about Elahi’s offences, contact the NCA at [email protected]. Help is available — don’t suffer in silence.
