Lisburn man who had identity stolen to present new documentary hunting 'cybersex gang'

A Northern Ireland man who had his identity stolen on social media and used in scams is to present a new documentary film commissioned by the BBC where he hunts down a "cybersex crime gang".

Lisburn man James Blake, whose story of identity theft was the subject of the documentary film 'Hunting the Catfish Crime Gang', returns with the follow-up 'Hunting the Cybersex Crime Gang' made by the same Northern Ireland production company Strident.

The new film will take him to the "frontline" with a "special global taskforce in the Philippines during a series of raids" targeting cybersex crime online.

Read more: NI entrepreneur James Blake victim of 'Bitcoin identity scam'

Read more: NI man James Blake who had pictures stolen for online scam focus of new documentary

Commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Three, the new film focuses on the online crime of cybersex, which ranges ‘sextortion’ and online grooming to live streaming of the sexual abuse of teenagers and children.

While James Blake heads to the Philippines, his film shows how "the perpetrators and funders of much of this modern day crime are often back in the UK."

A BBC spokesperson said: "James’ journey begins when he catches up with an insider from the first documentary and goes on a journey which takes him from Northern Ireland; to the House of Lords; to America and, finally, to the Philippines."

Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience (BBC iPlayer & BBC Three) said: “BBC Three is committed to discovering the next generation of creative talent and James is testament to that with his natural ability to engage audiences and get under the skin of the subjects he explores. His next project promises to be another fascinating dive into online crime.”

Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning said: “James’ first film was a hard hitting look into the world of scams and the gangs who benefit. This follow up shows how law enforcement is connecting globally including in the UK to try and tackle organised cybersex crime, and help audiences navigate some of the pitfalls.”

James Blake said: “My whole world is online and I thought I knew that world well, however, Hunting The Catfish Crime Gang opened my eyes to the level of organised crime and exploitation in the digital world I had never imagined. I’m honoured to be back with the BBC to delve further into this world to reveal the organised nature of Cybersex crime online and cast some light on this shadowy world.”

Hunting The Cybersex Crime Gang was announced at the Belfast Media Festival. It was commissioned by Fiona Campbell for BBC Three and Eddie Doyle for BBC Northern Ireland. It will be executive produced by Mary McKeagney for BBC, produced and directed by Pete Grant for Strident and made with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.