A British couple has been handed a shocking 10-year prison sentence in Iran after falling victim to a fraudulent Instagram modelling scam. The parents, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were lured to the country under false pretences, only to be arrested upon arrival.
The Deceptive Offer That Led to Disaster
According to reports, the couple believed they were travelling to Iran for a legitimate modelling opportunity after being contacted through Instagram. The offer appeared genuine, complete with promises of lucrative contracts and professional photoshoots.
A Family's Desperate Plea
Their distraught family members have spoken out about the ordeal, revealing how the couple disappeared shortly after arriving in Iran. "We had no idea something like this could happen," said a close relative. "They were just trying to create better opportunities for our family."
Diplomatic Tensions Complicate Matters
The case has highlighted the complex diplomatic relations between the UK and Iran. Foreign Office officials are reportedly working behind the scenes to secure the couple's release, but progress has been slow due to the strained political climate.
Warning About Social Media Scams
Security experts are using this case to warn British citizens about the dangers of responding to unsolicited job offers on social media platforms. "These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated," noted one cybersecurity specialist. "Always verify opportunities through official channels before travelling abroad."
The family has started a campaign to raise awareness about the couple's situation and pressure authorities to take action. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have expressed concern about the harsh sentence and the conditions in which the couple is being held.
