A 26-year-old man who allegedly posed as a 17-year-old boy online to groom and blackmail minors was arrested after a 10-year-old girl refused to send him indecent images and instead reported him to the police, a court has heard.
Gian-Luke Gambin, from Victoria, Gozo, was arraigned on Monday before Magistrate Jean Paul Grech at the Gozo law courts, facing 56 charges including sexual exploitation, corruption of minors, blackmail, and the production and distribution of indecent material. He pleaded not guilty and was denied bail.
The court heard that Gambin used the fake name “Chris Debrincat” on social media, stealing photographs from other users to conceal his true identity. Prosecutors said there are at least nine victims, seven of whom are minors. The youngest is a 10-year-old girl.
The case came to light after a 12-year-old girl was allegedly convinced by Gambin to send indecent photos. When she feared he would publish them, she confided in her younger sister. The 10-year-old then contacted Gambin on Snapchat and told him to stop speaking to her sister. He allegedly replied: “If you do not send photos of yourself too, I will publish your sister’s photos in the locality.”
Instead of complying, the sisters told their parents, who took them to the police.
Investigators also received reports from two men whose photographs had been used without their consent to create fake profiles. Officers seized electronic equipment from Gambin’s home in Rabat, Gozo, and confirmed that a single individual was behind all the fake accounts.
The court heard that two male victims did not send indecent images, but their photographs were used by Gambin to create fake profiles. A ban on the publication of Gambin’s photo was ordered, but his name and his fake name may be published as investigators believe there may be other victims.
The court upheld a defence recommendation that Gambin be held at Mount Carmel Hospital. The case was adjourned to Monday, when the minor victims are expected to testify.
Lawyers Mario Mifsud and Nicholas Mifsud represented the accused while the prosecution was led by AG lawyers Miriayah Borg and Tilden Tabone, aided by police inspectors Dorianne Tabone, Ryan Vella and Keith Scerri.
Online Safety Advice from Police
In the wake of the arrest, police issued the following guidance:
- Not everything stated online is true. The person you believe you are communicating with may not be who they claim to be.
- Never send photographs or videos to someone you do not know personally.
- Avoid posting images of yourself that you would not want others to see or share.
- If a conversation makes you feel uncomfortable, end it immediately and block the other person.
- If you are being targeted online, speak to a trusted adult — such as a parent, guardian, or friend — and report the matter to the police.
“Online abuse can happen to anyone,” police stated. “Staying informed, staying alert, and being willing to seek help are all important in protecting yourself and others.”
