A 19-year-old from Northern Ireland has been jailed for three years after orchestrating a sophisticated catfishing operation that preyed on vulnerable young people through the social app Wizz.
Max Hollingsbee, from Ballynahinch, County Down, admitted to creating fake profiles to manipulate victims into sending explicit images, which he then used to blackmail them. His crimes spanned from December 2022 to March 2023, leaving multiple victims traumatised.
How the Scam Unfolded
Hollingsbee posed as a teenage girl on Wizz, a popular app for meeting new friends, to lure boys into conversations. After gaining their trust, he coerced them into sharing intimate photos before threatening to expose the images unless they paid him.
One victim, a 15-year-old boy, was blackmailed for £300, while others faced relentless harassment. The court heard how Hollingsbee's actions caused severe emotional distress, with some victims experiencing anxiety and depression.
Police Investigation and Sentencing
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Cyber Crime Centre tracked Hollingsbee through digital footprints left on the app. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including blackmail and causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
Judge Neil Rafferty KC described the offences as "calculated and cruel," emphasising the lasting harm inflicted on the victims. Hollingsbee was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
Warning to Parents and Teens
Authorities are urging parents to monitor their children's online activity and educate them about the dangers of sharing personal content. The case highlights the risks of social apps where predators can exploit anonymity.
Wizz has since strengthened its safety features, but experts advise vigilance when interacting with strangers online.
