Five Men Convicted in Global Hacking Ring Targeting 3,700 Victims

• •Five men hacked into social media accounts, impacting 3,700 victims globally.
• •The primary target was Snapchat, with stolen images shared on a file-sharing site.
• •Victims reported severe emotional distress, including anxiety and trust issues.

A group of five men has been convicted for hacking into social media accounts, affecting nearly 3,700 victims across 12 countries, with over 900 victims in Blackpool. The offenders primarily targeted Snapchat accounts, stealing and distributing private images, including those of children, via a file-sharing site. The investigation by Lancashire Police began after several women reported their accounts were compromised. Victims reported severe emotional distress, including anxiety and suicidal thoughts, due to the breach. The men pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to secure unauthorized access to computer material and possession of indecent images. Sentencing is scheduled for April 2027. Detective Superintendent Rach Higson emphasized the lasting damage inflicted on the victims.