Politics
Labour Party Member Arrested in Westminster Honeytrap Probe Amid Political Blackmail Scandal
Sky News has learned that the individual detained in connection with the Westminster honeytrap case is affiliated with the Labour Party. It has been reported that politicians received unsolicited, seductive messages from individuals attempting to extort them.
Political journalist @alixculbertson
Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 3:
Sky News has learned that a man detained in connection with the Westminster honeytrap investigation is affiliated with the Labour Party.
According to the Metropolitan Police, a man approximately in his mid-20s was taken into custody in Islington, north London, on Wednesday. He was arrested on charges of harassment and violations related to the Online Safety Act.
The police quickly notified several victims following the incident.
Earlier in the year, Scotland Yard reported that a minimum of twelve men involved in politics were sent flirtatious WhatsApp messages without their solicitation, from individuals identifying themselves as "Charlie" or "Abi."
In certain cases, inappropriate photos were shared.
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Sky News has learned that the Labour Party promptly suspended the individual from its ranks upon receiving notification of his arrest.
His identity remains undisclosed.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated: "On Wednesday, 26 June, officers carried out a search warrant at a location in Islington.
A male suspect has been detained for alleged harassment and violations of the Online Safety Act, and is currently being held in custody.
The detention is connected to a probe by the Met's parliamentary liaison and investigation team, which was initiated after receiving complaints about unwanted messages being sent to Members of Parliament and additional individuals.
"The inquiry is still underway."
Authorities have detained a male suspect believed to be in his mid-20s.
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Dr. Luke Evans, a Conservative, initially disclosed the "honeytrap" incident, stating that in March, he was contacted on WhatsApp by two unknown individuals claiming to be acquainted with him.
He stated that he was subjected to cyber flashing and harmful messages, and he promptly reported these incidents to both the police and parliamentary officials right after they occurred.
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Former senior Conservative William Wragg resigned from his party in April following a scandal, after confessing to distributing personal contact information of fellow politicians to an acquaintance from a dating app who had threatened to divulge damaging information and images he had shared with them.
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