Singer Olena Topolya was blackmailed with intimate videos

Blackmail scandal: singer Olena Topolya was extorted $75 thousand for not sharing intimate videos

Singer Olena Topolya blackmailed and extorted 75 thousand dollars for not distributing intimate videos. Threats began to arrive 10 January from a man with whom the artist had previously had a romantic relationship.

According to law enforcement, the offender stated that he would publish private recordings of the singer, taking advantage of the fact that she was a public figure and was officially married at the time.

Law enforcement response

Kyiv police detained a 23-year-old man, who has been notified of suspicion. He faces up to 12 years' imprisonment for blackmail and illegal dissemination of private materials.

At the same time, despite the actions of law enforcement, some of the video was nevertheless published online.

The singer's message

Olena Topolya publicly addressed her audience with a call to not to distribute illegal materials and not to become accomplices in a crime.

The artist emphasised that the distribution of such videos is a violation of the law and harms the victim of the crime.

Context.

Experts remind that blackmail and distribution of intimate materials without a person's consent is a serious criminal offence. Even viewing and further distribution of such videos may have legal consequences.