Girl, 10, helps expose man accused of blackmailing minors for indecent photos

A 26-year-old man who allegedly used a fake profile to convince several people to send him indecent photos of themselves was arrested after a 10-year-old girl refused to cave in to his blackmail and reported the matter, a court heard on Monday.

Details were revealed when the suspect, Gian-Luke Gambin, from Victoria, was arraigned in Gozo court to face 56 charges involving sexual exploitation, corruption of minors and blackmail, along with the production and distribution of indecent material.

He pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors said there were nine victims, Maltese and Gozitans, involved in the case.  

Gambin used a fake name, “Chris Debrincat”, on his social media. The court heard how there were various reports about Debrincat, dating back to 2020, but it was the last report that led to Gambin’s arrest. The last report was made by 10-year-old and 12-year-old sisters. 

The court heard how the accused spoke to the 12-year-old girl on Snapchat and convinced her to send indecent photos of herself. The girl was scared he would publish them and spoke to her younger sister. 

The 10-year-old spoke to Gambin on Snapchat and told him to stop speaking to her sister.

He replied: “If you do not send photos of yourself too, I will publish your sister's photos in the locality.”

The 10-year-old did not send photos, but instead their parents took the sisters to the police to file a report.  

The police managed to link the profiles to Gambin, which led to his arrest. 

The court heard how two boys involved in the case did not send indecent photos, but Gambin used their photos for his fake profiles. 

Bail was requested but not given, since the victims still have to testify. The court banned the use of his photos, but gave the go-ahead for his name and his fake name to be published, as investigations are still ongoing and there could be other victims.

The court upheld a defence recommendation for the accused to be held at  Mount Carmel Hospital.

Magistrate Jean Paul Grech presided over the court.

Lawyers Miriayah Borg and Tilden Tabone from the Attorney General's Office prosecuted with police inspectors Dorianne Tabone, Ryan Vella, and Keith Xerri. Lawyers Mario Mifsud and Nicholas Mifsud represented the accused.  The case was adjourned to Monday, when it is expected the minors will testify.

Fake profiles

In a statement earlier, the police said that in some cases, the Gozitan man, posing as a 17-year-old, asked children to partake in sexual acts on camera. He threatened to send out the footage and photos to their schools and local communities if they refused to participate in the sexual acts. 

He used a fake name and the photos of other, real people who were already social media users. 

His arrest was also the result of a report by two men who separately told the police that someone had set up a fake profile using their photos.

The police descended on his residence in Victoria, where the officers confiscated electronic equipment. They later confirmed the real identity of the man behind the fake profiles.

The man was arrested on Sunday.

Police appeal

The police urged other people, especially minors, who were victims of fake profiles for sexual exploitation, to get in touch. 

While the internet can be a place where people learn, play, and make new friends, children are increasingly being exposed to online risks, with sexual exploitation and abuse being among the most serious threats.

However, this abuse is preventable by following these tips:

• Not everything said online is true. The person you think you are talking to may not actually be who they claim to be. Make sure you truly know the person you are communicating with.

• Do not send photos or videos to people you do not know. Do not post pictures of yourself online that you would not want those close to you to see.

• If you start to feel uncomfortable during a conversation, stop communicating and block the person.

• If you are being targeted by someone online, speak to people you trust, such as family members or friends, and report the matter to the police.

Remember that online abuse can happen to anyone. Staying informed, being vigilant, and being prepared to seek help are important steps in protecting yourself and others.