BEYOND creating a generation of youth perpetually glued to their phones addicted to gaming and social media sites, it would seem that the smart phone era has also spawned a new breed of pervert-cum-criminal.
This disconcerting development was highlighted in a Bernama report stating that police have nabbed two teenagers for attempting to blackmail a young girl.
The two 16-year-olds have been detained to facilitate investigations for the possession and distribution of a video showing a female friend taking a shower.
Kuantan District police chief ACP Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu said the two suspects were arrested yesterday (Oct 22) after appearing to testify following a police report made by the 13-year-old girl on Friday (Oct 20).
“The complainant claimed that one of the suspects said he had a video of her bathing and extorted her for RM50 if she wanted the video,” he revealed. “The complainant further claimed the video was spread by another suspect because it was made while they were in contact via video call in May.”
Wan Mohd Zahari said the investigation was carried out in accordance with Section 292 of the Penal Code for possessing obscene videos which carry a maximum prison sentence of three years or a fine or both if convicted.
This case, alongside an earlier one whereby a customer at a café was filmed in a unisex toilet using a mobile phone by an employee, shows a disconcerting development in today’s society.
Mobile phones seem to have empowered and emboldened peeping toms to not just indulge in their perversions but to profit from it as well.
It is hoped that the police throw the book at the two culprits for their actions against such a young girl who will no doubt be scarred by this episode. The authorities may also want to consider harsher penalties to discourage similar incidences and to nip the problem in the bud. – Oct 23, 2023