BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Three commission Hunting The Cybersex Crime Gang
Date Posted: November 14, 2024
BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Three have commissioned new documentary film Hunting The Cybersex Crime Gang. Presented by Northern Ireland’s James Blake, the film will take a look at ‘cybersex’ crime in the UK and beyond.
It will be made by Northern Ireland production company Strident with support from Northern Ireland Screen. Strident produced Hunting The Catfish Crime Gang which followed Lisburn man James Blake, who had his identity stolen on social media and used in scams, go on an international journey to uncover the gangs fighting to get his identity back.
James is now back with the follow-up film Hunting the Cybersex Crime Gang. This time, he goes on the frontline with a special global task-force in the Philippines during a series of raids aimed at smashing this online crime. But as James discovers, the perpetrators and funders of much of this modern day crime are often back in the UK.
Cybersex crime is online crime that ranges from ‘sextortion’ and online grooming to live streaming of the sexual abuse of teenagers and children.
James’ journey begins when he catches up with an insider from the first documentary and goes on a journey which takes him from Northern Ireland; to the House of Lords; to America and, finally, to the Philippines.
Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience (BBC iPlayer & BBC Three) says: “BBC Three is committed to discovering the next generation of creative talent and James is testament to that with his natural ability to engage audiences and get under the skin of the subjects he explores. His next project promises to be another fascinating dive into online crime.”
Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning says: “James’ first film was a hard hitting look into the world of scams and the gangs who benefit. This follow up shows how law enforcement is connecting globally including in the UK to try and tackle organised cybersex crime, and help audiences navigate some of the pitfalls.”
James Blake says: “My whole world is online and I thought I knew that world well, however, Hunting The Catfish Crime Gang opened my eyes to the level of organised crime and exploitation in the digital world I had never imagined. I’m honoured to be back with the BBC to delve further into this world to reveal the organised nature of Cybersex crime online and cast some light on this shadowy world.”
Hunting The Cybersex Crime Gang was announced at the Belfast Media Festival. It was commissioned by Fiona Campbell for BBC Three and Eddie Doyle for BBC Northern Ireland. It will be executive produced by Mary McKeagney for BBC, produced and directed by Pete Grant for Strident and made with support from Northern Ireland Screen.
