Key Points
- Bosun Osagie, 25, from Bexley, South London, has been sentenced to two years and three months in prison after targetting a woman living in the Wirral.
- Osagie pleaded guilty to charges of computer hacking and blackmail at an earlier court hearing.
- The defendant unlawfully accessed the victim’s Snapchat and X (formerly Twitter) accounts starting in February 2023.
- Stolen personal photos were used to create fake online profiles falsely advertising the victim as a sex worker and selling her images online.
- Osagie attempted to extort money from the victim using the compromised material.
- A 10-year restraining order was issued alongside the custodial sentence, barring Osagie from making any contact with the victim.
- Merseyside Police led the multi-region investigation leading to Osagie’s arrest and prosecution.
Bexley (South London News) October 13, 2026 – A 25-year-old man from Bexley, South London, has been jailed for more than two years after infiltrating the social media accounts of a woman in the Wirral, manufacturing illicit online profiles with her private photos, and attempting to blackmail her for financial gain. Bosun Osagie, residing at Hartslock Drive in Bexley, appeared at court on 12 October where he received a sentence of two years and three months in prison. Osagie had previously entered guilty pleas to charges of computer hacking and blackmail. In addition to the custodial term, the court imposed a 10-year restraining order strictly prohibiting Osagie from reaching out to or contacting the victim in any manner.
How Did the Hacking and Blackmail Scheme Unfold?
The investigation officially commenced in February 2023 when Merseyside Police received a report from the Wirral resident stating that her personal social media profiles had been compromised. Court details and police reports confirm that Osagie gained unauthorised access to both the victim’s Snapchat and X accounts. Once inside, he extracted personal images from her private history.
Osagie then used these stolen photographs to generate fake profiles across various online platforms, falsely advertising the Wirral victim as a sex worker. Beyond generating public accounts, Osagie sold the victim’s private images to third parties online and leveraged the threat of further distribution to demand monetary payments directly from her.
How Did Merseyside Police Respond to the Cyber Crime?
Following an extensive digital investigation spanning multiple regions, law enforcement officers identified Osagie as the perpetrator behind the digital intrusion and extortion. He was subsequently arrested, charged, and brought before the courts, where he admitted his guilt prior to sentencing.
Detective Sergeant Darren Devonport of Merseyside Police addressed the outcome of the case, highlighting the severity of the intrusion and the victim’s bravery in coming forward. Detective Sergeant Devonport stated that Osagie’s actions had caused deep distress to the victim, noting that he had not only intruded into her privacy but had then tried to blackmail her into giving him money. Detective Sergeant Devonport added that the victim had done the right thing by reporting the matter to the police.
Detective Sergeant Devonport further emphasised the force’s ongoing commitment to tackling digital abuse and extortion, stating that Merseyside Police remains completely committed to stopping the possession and distribution of indecent images. He expressed hope that Osagie would reflect on the consequences of his crimes and the significant impact on the victim while serving his jail time.
What is the Background of Cyber Hacking and Online Extortion Trends?
Cyber-enabled offences, particularly those involving account takeovers and non-consensual image sharing, have seen heightened focus from UK law enforcement agencies over recent years. Under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and the Administration of Justice Act 1970, gaining unauthorised access to digital accounts and attempting to extort funds through threats carry heavy custodial penalties.
Investigations involving cross-border or multi-regional jurisdiction—such as offences orchestrated in South London against victims residing in Merseyside—require coordinated digital forensic analysis. Police units routinely rely on IP tracking, device imaging, and data requests from major technology platforms like Snapchat and X to build evidential chains.
Guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and cybercrime prevention units consistently stresses the importance of immediate reporting when account breaches or extortion demands occur. Law enforcement agencies note that early reporting aids in preserving critical digital evidence and prevents further dissemination of private material.
What are the Future Predictions and How Could This Development Affect Internet Users and Victims of Cyber Crime?
This legal outcome and custodial sentence are likely to influence several key areas surrounding digital security, victim reporting, and law enforcement practices.
Impact on General Social Media Users
The public outcome of this case reinforces the immediate threat posed by credential compromises and account takeovers. Internet users are increasingly encouraged to adopt rigorous security protocols, including two-factor authentication (2FA), unique passwords across platforms, and routine audits of active account sessions. For individuals navigating public or private digital spaces, the case highlights how personal media stored within private cloud messaging services can be exploited if access controls fail.
Impact on Victims of Digital Extortion and Image-Based Abuse
The successful conviction and imposition of a 10-year restraining order set a clear legal precedent for individuals facing online harassment or blackmail. Victims of cyber extortion may feel greater assurance in coming forward to report offences, knowing that law enforcement agencies possess the technical capability to track multi-regional cyber offenders and secure custodial sentences. Furthermore, long-term restraining orders provide crucial legal protections for victims following an offender’s release from prison.
Impact on Law Enforcement and Cyber Legislation
The conviction underscores the necessity for police forces to maintain dedicated digital forensics units capable of handling complex internet-facilitated offences. As cyber-enabled blackmail and unauthorized image distribution continue to present challenges across jurisdictional boundaries, regional forces are expected to strengthen cross-constabulary cooperation to track offenders operating remotely across the UK.
