Five men admit hacking 3,700 victims across 12 countries

The group targeted social media accounts, with more than 900 victims identified in Blackpool alone.

Lancashire Police launched the investigation after several women reported their accounts had been compromised and intimate images stolen.

Jack Lomax, 33, of Chester Avenue, Poulton Le Fylde, admitted conspiracy to secure unauthorised access to computer material and conspiracy to transfer criminal property

Sean Robinson, 28, of Armistead Court, Fleetwood, admitted conspiracy to obtain articles intending to use them to commit or assist in the commission of offences, conspiracy to secure unauthorised access to computer material, conspiracy to transfer criminal property, possession of extreme pornographic images, and possession of indecent images of children with a view to distribute.

Jamie McGunnagle, 36, of Dinmore Place, Blackpool, admitted conspiracy to secure unauthorised access to computer material, conspiracy to transfer criminal property, and possession of indecent images of children with a view to distribute.

Christopher Simpkin, 39, of Olton Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, admitted conspiracy to obtain articles intending to use them to commit or assist in the commission of offences, conspiracy to secure unauthorised access to computer material, conspiracy to transfer criminal property, possession of indecent images of children, and distributing indecent images of children.

David Woof, now known as David Miller, 35, of Avondale Road, Fleet, Hampshire, admitted conspiracy to obtain articles intending to use them to commit or assist in the commission of offences, conspiracy to secure unauthorised access to computer material, conspiracy to transfer criminal property, possession of indecent images of children, and possession of indecent images of children with a view to distribute.

The quintet will be sentenced in April 2027.

Detective Superintendent Rach Higson, who led the investigation, said: "These offenders have caused very real and irrevocable damage to many thousands of women.

"The online conversations and continued sharing of content are particularly concerning, suggesting an apparent absence of remorse, empathy, or meaningful recognition of the severity of the harm inflicted upon the victims.

"Their only focus was fulfilling their own gratification with no regard for others."

The men primarily hacked into Snapchat accounts and distributed the stolen images—including those of children—via a file-sharing website.

Though the crime was digital, its impact was deeply personal and far-reaching.

Many victims reported long-term anxiety and fear, saying they would never feel safe again.

Some described self-harm and suicidal thoughts, while others spoke of ongoing paranoia and trust issues.

Five men have pleaded guilty in connection with the offences and will be sentenced in April.

Det Supt Higson said: "The continued circulation and discussion of material perpetuates the harm, prolongs victims' distress, and reinforces the sense that their dignity, privacy, and well-being have been disregarded.

"These women will carry this abuse for the rest of their lives.

"I commend the bravery of the women who have taken steps to combat this abhorrent behaviour.

"They have led the way, lifting the lid on this form of abuse which is occurring nationally, facilitated by individuals like the five convicted in this case.

"Online harm may originate in a digital environment, but its consequences are experienced by real people, in their real lives, having very real impact.

"We will continue to investigate and prosecute online offending in order to better protect women and girls."

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority in Lancashire.

"The offenders in this case have violated the privacy of innocent people for their own selfish needs, and this is a damning example of how misogyny and abuse targeting women is just as prevalent in our digital world as in the rest of our lives."

Mr Grunshaw said: "I'd like to commend the dedicated, thorough police work that we have seen throughout this investigation.

"The strength of the victims is inspirational, and I hope these convictions will help as they move forward."