5 victims come forward after Dutch police’s anti-sextortion campaign
Five victims have reported online sexual offenses to Dutch police after an online campaign was launched to identify more people harmed in a major international sextortion case against a 22-year-old man from Spijkenisse. The campaign followed the recent court hearing in the case, where the man, Damian D., confessed to blackmail.
None of the five who came forward were victims of the Spijkenisse suspect, who called himself “Turpien” online, AD reported. "The victims who have come forward were not victims of the suspect but victims of another online sexual offense. Two of these victims came from abroad. We are very happy that they have taken this step so that a listening ear could be offered to them and help where necessary,” the police said.
The Snapchat campaign reached more than 1.1 million young people. Its goal was to show D's and other victims that they are not alone and that help is available.
“It is beautiful that we have been able to give so many people this message in this way. Something we will continue to do, because this work is so incredibly important,” police said.
At the recent hearing, the suspect confessed to blackmailing dozens of girls. Prosecutors are seeking a nine-year prison sentence along with compulsory psychiatric treatment at a TBS facility.
Psychological evaluations indicate D. has an autism spectrum disorder. Unable to engage with girls and women in person, he reportedly had turned to the internet. He pressured dozens of girls — most of them teenagers — to send nude photos and then coerced them into sending more by threatening to post the images online if they refused.
The judge described D. as “calculating and manipulative.” D. acknowledged that he knew his actions were illegal but claimed he had not reflected on their impact. Experts believe that coercing young women sexually arouses him and may indicate a sexual sadism disorder.
D.’s lawyer requested reduced criminal responsibility and conditional TBS, which does not involve forced confinement in a clinic, instead of mandatory treatment. She cited his limited communication skills and lack of intrinsic motivation for treatment.
Of the 20 identified victims, nearly all are from other countries, including the United States. Only one is Dutch. Authorities believe there may be another 37 victims. Many suffered self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
In one case, D. recruited someone living near a victim to physically monitor her and used the information to demand more explicit images. He also collected personal details, such as where victims attended school, to intimidate them.
