Starogard Gdanski extortion: Teen sold photos, blackmailed buyer
A 19-year-old sold explicit photos and extorted a Nowy Dwór Gdański man for nearly 34,000 zł. Police intervened; suspect admitted guilt.
Teen sold explicit photos and extorted buyer in Pomeranian region
Police in Nowy Dwór Gdański say investigators disrupted a long-running extortion scheme that left a 26-year-old man paying roughly 2,500 zł each month. Moreover, officers say the case began in April 2025 on a social media platform. Specifically, a 19-year-old from Starogard Gdański used a fake profile to contact the later victim. At first the victim paid for explicit images that the suspect sold. However, the exchange turned to coercion when the suspect claimed one of the women in the images was a minor. As a result, the suspect threatened to report the matter to police unless the victim paid for silence.
The victim complied out of fear of criminal charges and social stigma. He transferred funds monthly from April 2025 through February 2026. Altogether, investigators say the total loss reached nearly 34,000 zł. Police in Nowy Dwór Gdański opened inquiries after agents noticed signs that the man might be a victim rather than a perpetrator. They reached out, interviewed him, and encouraged him to file a formal complaint. Consequently, investigators built a substantial case.
Officers then identified and located the 19-year-old in Starogard Gdański. During a police visit, the suspect expressed surprise at being found. Investigators collected what they describe as overwhelming evidence. Prosecutors charged the young man with 25 counts related to extortion and related offenses. He admitted guilt and accepted a plea that included eight months in prison, suspended for two years, plus an order to repay the victim the roughly 34,000 zł and to cover court costs. Police say the outcome shows that extortion may lead to swift legal consequences.
Police urge anyone facing threats over compromising material not to pay. Moreover, every payment only encourages the criminal. Specifically, officers warn that immediate reporting to police helps break the cycle. As a result, victims can get investigative and emotional support. Additionally, authorities stress that silence and isolation help criminals thrive.
Local context and what expats should know
This case unfolded in the Pomeranian region, involving Nowy Dwór Gdański police and a suspect from Starogard Gdański. For expats, the geographic detail matters. Nowy Dwór Gdański sits east of Gdańsk in a county that sees regular commuter and online interactions. Moreover, online scams that begin with paid adult content are a recurring pattern across Poland and Europe. However, extortion using false claims of underage involvement is a known escalation. Specifically, criminals exploit shame and fear to extract regular payments. Therefore, expats who use local or international social platforms should stay vigilant.
Online fraud and blackmail are not unique to one town. Nevertheless, local police describe increased digital investigations in small towns as offenders use anonymity and fast transfers. As a result, victims in smaller communities may feel isolated. However, police say assistance is available and that filing a report can stop ongoing loss. Additionally, if you are targeted, preserve messages and transaction records. This evidence helps investigators act quickly.
Photo/video: No images or footage were released by police at the time of this report. However, officials say digital records formed the core of the evidence. As a result, investigators could link the suspect to the transactions and messages that supported charges.
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