QLD Criminal Law - Old Mobile Phone Being Used for Blackmail

[DavidRombouts]

I recently noticed my old mobile phone had been stolen. I hadn't used it in approximately 6 months and I don't know exactly when it was stolen. I have now been informed a friend of my brother has the mobile phone and they have put illegal content on the device (I don't know exactly what but they suggested it was child pornography). They are now trying to blackmail me with said device. Do I need be concerned? Can I actually be held accountable for anything on there under Criminal Law? or Can I just tell them to f off?

I really appreciate any help you can give me on this matter.

Also, should I bother reporting the phone as stolen? I don't know the serial number or IMEI number

 

[Sophea]

Hi David,

I would seek the advice of a lawyer on this. There are laws against extortion (blackmail) in the Qld Criminal Code so what they are doing is illegal.

If you don't want to pay a lawyer to assist you with the matter, I would report the phone stolen and advice the police of the threats that you have received. I would tell the offenders that they have committed a criminal offence and that if they don't delete whatever they have put on the phone and return it to you, you will report them to the police.