Gardaí in Kerry are concerned that sextortion is being under-reported in the county because victims lack knowledge and are embarrassed.
Sextortion is the practice of intimidating or blackmailing someone online by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity.
Detective Inspector Liam McGraynor works in the Divisional Protective Services Unit in Tralee; he says there has been a 'marked increase' in such cases in Kerry, in the 12 months to June.
Detective Inspector Liam McGraynor is appealing to all victims to speak to the Gardaí, as sextortion can have a heavy mental toll on victims.
He also advises parents to report such cases, as images of minors can be classed as child sex abuse imagery, and is very serious.
Detective Inspector McGraynor is reassuring victims that help is available:
