Serious sexual offender sentenced to 32 years after being found guilty of 158 offences

An online blackmailer who forced children to engage in sexual activity and sold that material on has been sentenced to 32 years today (10 December 2021) at Birmingham Crown Court.

Abdul Elahi, 26, contacted nearly 2,000 people worldwide and abused at least 72 victims. On 7 May 2021, Elahi pleaded pleaded guilty to a total of 158 offences.

Elahi targeted extremely vulnerable women and children on the internet and persuaded them to take pictures and videos of them performing sexual and degrading acts in return for money. He singled out victims who were in debt or too young to legitimately be on the sites. He would then sell the photos and videos to others worldwide.

The extent to Elahi’s offences was described in the court as being in a league of their own when it came to the number of offences committed. He also taught others how to abuse women and young children, and that many people tried to use his material as a way of attacking the same victims.

As part of the investigation, the CPS collaborated internationally with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States of America, and the New Zealand and Australian police in conjunction with the NCA in the UK.

Sarah Ingram, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS International Justice and Organised Crime Division, said: “The extent of the depraved and sickening offences that Elahi committed is truly shocking. He manipulated vulnerable women and children for his personal gain, and his actions led others to do the same.

“He has ruined the lives of his victims, and it is right that he has been sentenced today to the full extent of the law for his crimes.”

The CPS worked with the NCA to prove that as many as 550 women in the UK were targeted by Elahi.

The CPS has also identified and prosecuted numerous people who Elahi distributed his content to in the UK. Two individuals were prosecuted alongside Elahi, and one male awaits trial. This man is alleged to have been taught by Elahi how to carry out acts of blackmail and abuse, and he put that into action.