Suspect in Ravena nude photo scandal charged

The man who allegedly uploaded nude photographs of basketball star Kiefer Ravena was charged before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office last night.

Police officers from the Anti-Cybercrime Group filed charges against Kristoffer Ng for violation of Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code for robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons pursuant to provisions of Republic Act 9165 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and RA 9995, also known as the Anti-Photo and Voyeurism Act of 2009.

Ng was caught in a sting at Eastwood Central Park in Barangay Libis on Wednesday. The suspect allegedly obtained nude photos of Ravena through Viber.

Police said the suspect pretended to be a woman when he interacted with the athlete.

Ravena, 23, said in his affidavit he received a message through Viber last February from a certain @gweny_doc, who claimed to be a woman and a fan of his.

The suspect would send nude photographs of a woman and engaged Ravena in “sexting” for weeks. This prompted him to stop replying to the messages.

Ravena claimed the suspect later threatened to upload their exchanges on social media if he will not send his nude pictures. Afraid the suspect would make good on his threat, he obliged.

The threats continued until some of Ravena’s private photos made their way on social media sometime this month. The suspect, using another Viber account, demanded P50,000 in cash – half last Tuesday and the remainder on Wednesday, when he was caught.

Ravena’s father, retired Philippine Basketball Association player Bong Ravena, said they will pursue the case against the suspect.

“We are sure his parents are not aware of what he did. Unfortunately, there was an entrapment,” he said.

The elder Ravena reminded the youth to be careful in interacting with other people on social media after what happened to his son.

“Kiefer is already an example of this deception,” he told reporters in a brief interview.

Despite the controversy, Ravena said his son will still continue with his career as basketball player.