Suspect in ‘sextortion’ case to be extradited
A FILIPINO is facing extradition to Scotland over the death of a teenager who committed suicide after being blackmailed online.
Daniel Perry, 17, died after falling victim to a ‘sextortion’ attempt, i n which i nternet users are lured into webcam chats and then blackmailed with the footage.
The teenager believed he was talking to a girl in the US online but was told by the scammers the conversations had been recorded and would be shared with friends and family unless he paid up.
Daniel, from Dunfermline, Fife, leapt to his death from the Forth Road Bridge in July 2013 after being hounded by the blackmail-
‘Hounded by scammers’
ers on Skype, a website where users can make free video calls.
Police Scotland inquiries revealed an electronic internet trail, which led to the Philippines and links to organised crime groups there.
A warrant has now been issued for the arrest of Archie Gian Tolin, 20.
In 2014 he was arrested and bailed in the Philippines along with many others as part of an operation by British and Filipino police i nto organised gangs involved in alleged cyber-crime.
The extradition move is thought to be the first since a new treaty between the UK and the Philippines came into force.
A Crown Office spokesman said: ‘A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Archie Gian Tolin in connection with the death of Daniel Perry. Steps are now being taken to enforce that warrant and secure his extradition.’
After the initial operation in the Philippines, Police Scotland warned there was ‘no hiding place’ for those involved in extortion and blackmail.
Yesterday Detective Chief Inspector Gary Cunningham said: ‘Following the death of Daniel Perry, Police Scotland has continued its inquiries along with a number of other agencies, including Interpol and the authorities within the Philippines. A 20-yearold man is now subject to an international arrest warrant.’
Two Scots detectives travelled to the Philippines after apprentice mechanic Daniel jumped to his death. Some 58 people were later arrested in a series of raids there, with at least three suspects alleged to have been involved in targeting UK citizens, including Daniel.
But Scottish prosecutors are only believed to have enough evidence to convict Tolin for more serious charges than he would face at home.