Update: Jean-Luke Gambin, aged 26, from Victoria, was arraigned on Monday in front of Magistrate Jean Paul Grech at the Gozo Law Courts on 56 charges after he created fake social media profiles to target individuals, including minors, for sexual purposes.

Gambin pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was denied bail.

A ban on the publication of photos and video footage of the accused was made by the Court, however it refused a ban on the release of his name.

The Court heard of at least nine victims – seven females and two male – seven of which are minors. One girl is as young as 10. The Police said they believe there may be other victims, who have yet to make contact.

The Police said that the 26-year old allegedly posed as a 17-year old boy and used photographs from other people’s real profiles he hide his real identity. One of the victims targeted included a 10-year old child.

Over time, the Police said that he gained the trust and friendship of the people contacted and convinced them to send indecent photos.

Police said that is some cases he allegedly asked minors to perform sexual acts on video, threatening to distribute them if they refused to do so.

Investigations revealed that two men reported to the Police that a person, using the same false name, had used their photos to create fake profiles.

Electronic devices were confiscated by the Police from the suspect’s residence in Victoria, from which it was confirmed that the identity of the person who created the fake profiles was the one under arrest.

The Police appealed to the public to remain vigilant when using social media, avoid sharing personal or sensitive photos with strangers, and report any suspicious behaviour to the Police.

”We also encourage anyone who may have experienced similar behaviour or who has information that could assist ongoing investigations to come forward.”

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