Sadistic Online Blackmailer Jailed for 32 Years
A sickening predator who terrorised nearly 2,000 victims worldwide has been locked up for 32 years. Abdul Hasib Elahi, 26, posed as a rich stockbroker or businessman on sugar daddy sites, tricking vulnerable victims into sending explicit images. His vile crimes stunned the National Crime Agency (NCA), who branded the case one of their worst ever.
How Elahi Controlled His Victims
- Elahi targeted those in debt or underage, luring them with promises of thousands of pounds in exchange for nude or semi-nude photos.
- He sent fake bank transfer screenshots to convince victims he was genuine.
- Victims were moved to WhatsApp, using its encrypted messaging to avoid detection.
- Once he had images, Elahi blackmailed victims into sending even more depraved photos and videos.
- His horrifying demands included forcing victims to self-harm, abuse others, and film sexual assaults involving minors.
- Many victims were terrified into compliance, fearing exposure to family and friends.
Worldwide Abuse and Exploitation
Elahi’s reach was global:
- At least 196 UK victims with contact attempts to 600 people nationwide.
- Contacted 1,367 women in the US and targeted victims in 20 countries including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
- He organised abuse material into “box sets” stored on cloud sites and sold via Telegram, making over £25,000 from the horrors.
Elahi’s rampage caused ongoing trauma, as victims’ families became aware and some victims were re-targeted by other offenders.
Shocking Charges and Emotional Court Statements
Elahi pleaded guilty to 158 offences spanning blackmail, child sexual abuse, fraud, and possessing over 65,000 indecent images of children—including abuse of babies. The 72 formally identified victims ranged from eight months old to adults, all safeguarded where possible.
“I still think about these incidents often which makes me sad… He has ruined my life,” said one victim, a former schoolgirl who attempted suicide after Elahi shared her images publicly.
Another said: “Knowing this cancerous polyp has been caught gives me relief, but the fear will never leave me.”
One more confessed: “I considered taking my own life and live in constant worry that videos of me will resurface.”
NCA and Support Services Respond
Tony Cook, Head of CSA Operations at the NCA, slammed Elahi as a “depraved sadist” who turned victims’ lives upside down. He praised the bravery of survivors and urged anyone suffering online abuse to seek help.
“These offenders hide behind fake identities to exploit children and adults alike,” Cook warned. “Parents must discuss online risks openly with their children.”
The NCA worked closely with international partners, including the FBI, to bring Elahi to justice. The case also sparked investigations into his associates, leading to further convictions. Kirsty Nicholls, 36, admitted child sexual assaults alongside Elahi and was jailed for nearly seven years.
Sophie Mortimer of the Revenge Porn Helpline hailed the sentencing as a “long-awaited day” for victims and vowed to continue fighting to remove thousands of abusive images still circulating online.
Speak Out If You Need Help
If you think you may be a victim or have information on Elahi’s crimes, contact the NCA at [email protected]. Help is available.
