The Com Member Jailed for Blackmail and Sextortion Offences

A member of the online cybercrime collective known as The Com has been jailed for blackmail and sextortion offences against 117 victims worldwide.

Justin Swaddle, 20, from Leeds, received a two-year prison sentence at Leeds Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to multiple child sexual abuse offences and blackmail in July.

The Com member will also join the National Sex Offenders Register. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order will apply for 10 years.

NCA identified 117 victims

West Yorkshire Police first arrested Swaddle in October 2023. The UK National Crime Agency took over the investigation in January 2024.

Investigators identified 117 female victims around the world. The victims were aged between 13 and 17.

The NCA said Swaddle used online platforms to gain victims’ trust. He then collected private details and used threats to coerce them into sending further material.

Officers also found child sexual abuse material on devices seized during the investigation. Some files showed the consequences of harmful acts encouraged by Swaddle.

The NCA said the case highlighted the severe harm caused by online coercion. It also urged parents and guardians to remain alert to harmful online contact.

What is The Com?

The Com, short for Community, is a loose network of online groups. Its members may target and groom children and teenagers through social platforms and messaging services.

The network includes several subgroups with different criminal aims. These include Sextortion Com, Cyber Com and Offline Com.

Sextortion Com groups coerce minors through blackmail and intimidation. Cyber Com groups focus on intrusions, ransomware and other cybercrime.

The 764 subgroup emerged in 2021. Authorities say it is linked to the grooming and extortion of young people.

Wider law enforcement action continues

Law enforcement agencies have stepped up action against the wider network. Europol-led Project Compass resulted in 30 arrests in February.

Authorities linked 179 suspects to The Com during that operation. Europol also flagged 4,340 URLs for removal during a later operation in July.

In April 2025, authorities arrested two alleged 764 leaders. The pair now face life sentences over claims that they operated an international child exploitation enterprise.

The Com has also been linked to high-profile cyberattacks. These include ransomware incidents affecting Las Vegas casinos in 2023 and major UK retailers in 2025.

Online safety concerns remain

The conviction shows how online crime groups can combine social manipulation with technology. Their activity can cause serious harm to young and vulnerable people.

Parents and guardians should encourage children to report threats or coercion. They should also preserve messages and report suspected abuse to local police or a relevant child-protection service.

The Com member’s sentencing is another step in a wider international effort. However, investigators continue to pursue other individuals tied to the network.