A 35-year-old German man has been arrested in connection with a disturbing blackmail campaign targeting a prominent British comedian, Scotland Yard has confirmed.
The television personality, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, reported the matter to police on June 26, stating that he had been subjected to repeated threats involving false and defamatory claims intended to damage his reputation.
According to a report by The Sun, the suspect attempted to extort money from the entertainer by threatening to release fabricated allegations of a “disgusting” nature.
Sources close to the case said the threats, sent via calls and text messages, caused the victim “considerable distress” and were entirely unfounded.
“The comedian was blindsided,” a source told The Sun. “The messages were vile. He’s loved by the public, and something like this can do real damage. It’s had a serious emotional impact.”
In a statement, the Met said:
“On Friday, June 27, a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of harassment, blackmail and malicious communications. He was taken into custody and later bailed to return pending further inquiries. He is next due back on a date in mid-September.”
The campaign is believed to have unfolded over several months, with the suspect allegedly inundating the victim with messages, repeatedly threatening to go public with a smear campaign unless demands were met.
Police say the comedian is cooperating fully and has provided a full statement with the support of officers assigned to the case. Authorities are continuing their investigation.
The case has raised fresh concerns about the increasing use of online and electronic communication to carry out targeted harassment and reputational attacks on public figures.
Scotland Yard has urged anyone facing similar threats to report them to the police immediately, noting that blackmail and malicious communications are serious criminal offences under UK law.
The entertainer has not commented publicly on the arrest but is understood to be receiving support from close friends and legal advisers.
Editing by M10News Crime Desk | Contact: info@m10news.com
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