Sextortion – Steve’s story


Steven frequently went on trips abroad for his company. He was happily married but that did not mean that he was not going let his hair down a bit when he was away! At Wilson’s Detectives we deal with a lot of business travellers.

The Trip

Steven was sent to Manila for a week on business and was fascinated to be in a new city and a culture he was not familiar with. He worked fairly long days but in the evenings he was keen to get out and sample the nightlife. Steve was a seasoned traveller and was very careful when he was a new place with regard to keeping his belongings and himself safe.

The Hit

On his second night in Manila, Steve was having a drink in the bar of his hotel when he caught the eye of the young Filipina who was sitting at the other end of the bar. She was dressed smartly, and was working from a folder and had the appearance of a businessperson, just like him. She introduced herself as Aya. The two struck up a conversation and she offered to take Steve to a local restaurant that was more authentic than the tourist type establishments he might otherwise go to. Steve was flattered; the girl was beautiful and at least 10 to 15 years younger than he was. Her English was very good and he thoroughly enjoyed trying some local dishes at the restaurant she took him to. Back at hotel Steve invited her to his room. After initially seeming a little reluctant, Aya went with him. They chatted for a while and then after having a few more drinks they ended up in bed together. Despite the drink and the heat of the moment, Steve was aware enough to use a condom. By the time he woke up the next morning Aya was gone.


The Sting

Despite keeping an eye open for her Steve never saw his one-night-stand again - but he was soon to hear from her! On his first day back at work after his trip, Steve got an email from Aya. Attached to her email, was a clip of the video that had been taken on the night that they had spent together. Steve was shocked at the clarity of the video - there was no mistaking it was him. The wild night he had spent with the adventurous Aya was definitely triple X-rated. Steve told us that his blood ran cold. The threat in the email was clear. If he did not send a large amount of money by Western Union the video would be sent to all his contacts. Steve worked for a company that sold itself on its ethical way of working and supplied teachers to schools in the Philippines. Steve was in no doubt that if this video came out, he would lose his job, his marriage and he had no idea what his parents would say, not to mention his teenage children.

The Resolution

We had worked with Steve before, when his company became a victim of computer hacking. We could see how worried he was from the moment he arrived at the office. We reassured him that this type of crime was on the increase and that he was definitely not alone. Working with his computer and tracing back URL our cyber crime team came up with the individual and the gang who turned out to be very familiar to the police in Manila. From there it was a fairly straightforward operation to round up the gang responsible for Steve’s extortion and recover the video amongst hundreds more.

Steve did the right thing in that he came to us as soon as he realised that he had a problem. At ABCIPI we would never advise that you pay any money to someone who is blackmailing you by sextortion or any other means. Pay up once and the blackmailers will be back! As for Steve, he has learned a valuable lesson. It is very easy for an expert like Aya to rig up a camera that you will not even notice, especially if drink has been involved. When business cards are exchanged, or email addresses given, then the rest is child’s play for a sextortionist.


Steve’s case was resolved, and his reputation will remain intact. Contact us now for help and advice. ​