POLICE are investigating following reports that explicit images and flirtatious messages have been sent to MPs as part of an alleged sexting scam - after a Tory MP leaked his colleagues numbers.
Earlier this week online news outlet Politico reported that a number of sitting and former MPs had been contacted by an unknown number detailing prior meetings with politicians in efforts to acquire personal or sensitive information.
READ MORE: Westminster staff and MPs targeted in WhatsApp ‘phishing’ attacks
William Wragg, MP for Hazel Grove in Greater Manchester and vice-chair of the 1922 Committee, told the Times that he gave the personal phone numbers of colleagues to a man he met on a gay dating app after he had sent intimate pictures of himself.
Wragg said: “They had compromising things on me. They wouldn’t leave me alone. They would ask for people.
“I gave them some numbers, not all of them. I told him to stop. He’s manipulated me and now I’ve hurt other people. I got chatting to a guy on an app and we exchanged pictures. We were meant to meet up for drinks, but then didn’t.
“Then he started asking for numbers of people. I was worried because he had stuff on me. He gave me a WhatsApp number, which doesn’t work now. I’ve hurt people by being weak. I was scared. I’m mortified.
“I’m so sorry that my weakness has caused other people hurt."
It is understood Wragg will not lose the whip from the Conservative Party amid sympathy for him and the other victims.
Earlier this week it was revealed that a number of politicians had been contacted by a person who would allege that they had previously met.
READ MORE: Five key points from The National green freeports series
Politico reported that these political figures had received the unsolicited messages from two numbers calling themselves “Abi” or “Charlie”. The messages would include details of the MP’s career and campaigns they had worked on.
The honeytrap sexting scam has been described as “spear phishing”, a type of cyber attack that targets specific groups. Spear phishing involves scammers pretending to be trusted senders in order to steal personal or sensitive information.
A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: “Leicestershire Police is investigating a report of malicious communications after a number of unsolicited messages were sent to a Leicestershire MP last month.
“They were reported to police on Tuesday March 19. Inquiries are currently ongoing.”
A Parliamentary spokesperson said: “Parliament takes security extremely seriously and works closely with government in response to such incidents.
“We provide members and staff with tailored advice, making them aware of security risks and how to manage their digital safety.
“We are encouraging anyone affected who has concerns to contact the Parliamentary Security Department.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel