Men hacked 100s of Blackpool social media accounts to steal intimate images including pictures of children

Five men, including three from the Fylde coast, have been convicted of hacking into thousands of private social media accounts to steal personal and intimate images, many of which were of children.

A major Lancashire Police investigation was launched after several women came forward, uncovering the mass hacking and sharing of images on a massive scale. In total, the illegal operation targeted almost 3,700 victims across 12 countries, including more than 900 in Blackpool alone.

The offenders found a way to hack into social media accounts, mainly Snapchat, and steal content including personal information and images, which the perpetrators then widely shared via a file-sharing site.

Many of the victims described feeling shock, panic, and anxiety, adding that the heinous breach of privacy had left them unable to ever feel truly safe again. They also expressed deep fear over who may have seen the hacked images and if they might resurface again.

Some even reported that the incident had led them to self-harm and experience suicidal thoughts, others said that the episode had left them feeling as if their ‘whole world had fallen apart’, and many described strong feelings of paranoia and struggles in trusting others.

Following the investigation, five men have now pleaded guilty to their involvement and will be sentenced in April next year:

• Jack Lomax, 33, of Chester Avenue, Poulton Le Fylde admitted Conspiracy to secure unauthorised access to computer material and Conspiracy to transfer criminal property.
• Sean Robinson, 28, of Armistead Court, Fleetwood admitted Conspiracy to obtain articles intending to use them to commit or assist in commission of offences; Conspiracy to secure unauthorised access to computer material; Conspiracy to transfer criminal property; Possession of extreme pornographic images; and Possession of Indecent images of children with a view to distribute.
• Jamie McGunnagle, 36, of Dinmore Place, Blackpool admitted Conspiracy to secure unauthorised access to computer material; Conspiracy to transfer criminal property; and Possession of Indecent images of children with a view to distribute.
• Christopher Simpkin, 39, of Olton Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands admitted Conspiracy to obtain articles intending to use them to commit or assist in commission of offences; Conspiracy to secure unauthorised access to computer material; Conspiracy to transfer criminal property; Possession of indecent images of children; and Distributing Indecent Images of Children.
• David Woof, now known as David Miller, 35, of Avondale Road, Fleet, Hampshire admitted Conspiracy to obtain articles intending to use them to commit or assist in commission of offences; Conspiracy to secure unauthorised access to computer material; Conspiracy to transfer criminal property; Possession of indecent images of children and Possession of Indecent images of children with a view to distribute.

‘Their only focus was fulfilling their own gratification with no regard for others’

Det Supt Rach Higson, who led the Lancashire Police team which uncovered the conspiracy, explained: “These offenders have caused very real and irrevocable damage to many thousands of women.

“The online conversations and continued sharing of content are particularly concerning, suggesting an apparent absence of remorse, empathy, or meaningful recognition of the severity of the harm inflicted upon the victims. Their only focus was fulfilling their own gratification with no regard for others.

“The continued circulation and discussion of material perpetuates the harm, prolongs victims' distress and reinforces the sense that their dignity, privacy and well-being have been disregarded. These women will carry this abuse for the rest of their lives.

“I commend the bravery of the women that have taken steps to combat this abhorrent behaviour. They have led the way, lifting the lid on this form of abuse which is occurring nationally, facilitated by individuals like the 5 convicted in this case.

“Their actions have directly contributed to a more focused approach in how police investigate such crimes, improving capabilities and ensuring that the victims are heard and taken seriously. Online harm may originate in a digital environment, but its consequences are experienced by real people, in their real lives, having very real impact.

“We will continue to investigate and prosecute online offending in order to better protect women and girls.”

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: "Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority in Lancashire. The offenders in this case have violated the privacy of innocent people for their own selfish needs, and this is a damning example of how misogyny and abuse targeting women is just as prevalent in our digital world as in the rest of our lives.

"I'd like to commend the dedicated, thorough police work that we have seen throughout this investigation. It is testament to the values of policing in Lancashire to protect vulnerable people and take offenders out of our communities and put them behind bars.

"The strength of the victims is inspirational, and I hope these convictions will help as they move forward. My Office is in the process of designing bespoke victim support for those affected by non-consensual intimate image abuse, to help process the trauma and fear that it can cause.

"What is clear is that there is much more to do to put an end to this type of offending online, and Lancashire Constabulary and I have jointly lobbied Government on the need for stronger legislation that makes it easier to ensure the punishment fits the crime.

“I will continue to back the Chief Constable with the resources needed to tackle violence against women and girls in all its forms, and deliver the proactive, efficient policing service the public rightly expect."

How to ensure your social media is private and secure

You can take some simple steps to review the privacy and security on your social media accounts by following the simple advice from the National Cyber Security Centre below. Criminals take advantage of weak security to easily take control of accounts but there are a few simple steps which will help keep you in control of your important accounts and personal data.

1. Password Hygiene – Use strong, separate passwords for your important online accounts especially your email as this is the gateway to all your accounts.
2. Take time to set up 2-step verification on your important accounts. This means that you set up a ‘second step’ that only you can access which prevents unrecognised devices accessing your account without your authorisation.
3. Check that you have the latest updates on all your devices and applications. Don’t ignore notifications that updates are required as these patches give the latest security and protection from viruses and malware which could compromise your account. It is advised to turn on ‘automatic updates’ if available.

Support and advice is available through Revenge Porn Helpline, Victim Support Lancashire and Birchall Trust for those affected by these crimes.

You’re not alone

Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are there – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org for more