Background

One of our clients received an SMS message, threatening blackmail, by placing

compromising information into the public domain. They were asking for several million
euros.
The client wanted those responsible, identified and dealt with without bringing the
matter into the public domain.
Investigation
Enquiries in relation to the phone number associated with the messages. Only
identified, the likely service provider, country of origin and that the number was from a
range associated with ‘pay as you go’ services.
The blackmailers were told that the client would not deal with them directly and they
would have to go through an intermediary. A confidant of the client would act on his
behalf, which they agreed too.
As a consequence, an e-mail account with an appropriate name and mobile
communications were set-up. That if searched for, would appear to be located in
another country.
After a number of SMS communications, some seeking proof of material. The
blackmailers agreed to communicate via e-mail, sending attachments they were unable
to send via the phone. This provided an IP address, that was traced to an Internet cafe
they were using.
Physical surveillance, at the café, timed to coincide with a phone call identified four
individuals responsible.
Local legislation allowed for an ex parte order to be obtained, which in turn meant that
all copies of potentially damaging information could be acquired, along with all
electronic storage devices.
The blackmailers were also required to sign confidentiality agreements or risk the
prospect of a lengthy term of imprisonment.