Por Redaccion 
The arrested man gained the trust of the girls through a social network and then threatened them
National Police officers have arrested a 44-year-old man in Gijón, who posed as a 17-year-old girl, accused of corrupting minors and drug trafficking, according to a press release from the Gijón Police Station.
Investigations began in mid-March, following a complaint filed at the Police Station by the mother of one of the victims, who reported that her daughter was being forced to send photos and videos of a sexual nature, threatening her that if she didn’t, all her contacts would see the photos.
The Police located three minors who had allegedly been deceived by the arrested man. According to the police report, he presented himself through a social network as a 17-year-old girl, showing interest in them and flattering the girls, and then, as he gained their trust, steered the conversations towards sexual topics, encouraging the minors to send him photos of themselves.
At all times, he sought to have control, obtaining intimate images of the minors through deceit and flattery. He offered them money for whatever they needed or even drugs to relax, which he hid in a bank near his home to control them when they picked it up.
Once he obtained the images of the minors, he revealed himself as a 44-year-old adult who threatened to disseminate their images if they didn’t send him more.
Once the man was fully identified, the Police proceeded to arrest him last week. On the same day, his home was also searched, locating several hard drives with images of the minor. The arrested man, who was taken into custody after the police report was completed, had previous records for similar offenses.
The National Police has emphasized, in connection with this case, the importance of maintaining minimum cybersecurity rules, such as that a contact from a forum, website, or social network is not a trusted friend, even if it seems so.
It is also advised not to add anyone through social networks who is not a friend; to be wary of strangers; and, in the event that someone blackmails a minor with posting private photos on social networks or ones that could compromise or harm them, do not delete the conversations and first turn to their parents or trusted adults. If the issue is serious or criminal, they should go with their parents to report it, providing the necessary details.