Scottish police to target online gangs forcing children to self-harm
Summary
Police in Scotland have joined international efforts to investigate online networks known as “The Com,” which groom and coerce children, mostly girls, into self-harm and other abuse. Police Scotland has made one arrest in connection with the networks, and detectives are examining a case involving nearly 1,000 images. The UK’s National Crime Agency said in May that it was investigating about 200 cases involving these groups.Key Facts
- The Com is a loose network of online groups linked to abuse, financial crimes and extremism.
- Police say the groups use social media and gaming platforms to manipulate and blackmail children.
- Investigators say victims in the cases they are handling are often girls aged 11 to 17.
- A Police Scotland detective is reviewing nearly 1,000 images in one case to identify a victim and a suspected Scottish perpetrator.
- Police Scotland has made one arrest connected to the networks; England has had several convictions.
- The National Crime Agency said in May that it was investigating about 200 cases involving the networks.
- In August, 20-year-old Justin Swaddle was jailed for two years for blackmailing and coercing more than 100 victims into self-harm.
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