Man arrested in Orihuela for allegedly holding woman captive and threatening to publish intimate images

Spanish National Police have arrested a man in Orihuela accused of illegally detaining a woman and threatening to distribute intimate photographs and videos.

According to investigators, the woman had been living with the suspect, who allegedly:

• controlled her movements;

• restricted her freedom;

• used threats involving intimate content;

• psychologically pressured her to prevent her from leaving or contacting police.

The woman managed to alert authorities and the suspect was arrested during an urgent police operation.

Digital violence is rapidly increasing

Spanish authorities are warning about the growing number of crimes involving:

• sextortion;

• non-consensual sharing of intimate images;

• digital control;

• online harassment;

• psychological abuse through phones and social media.

Spain’s Ministry of the Interior now considers digital violence one of the fastest-growing forms of gender-based violence.

How this type of blackmail works

In many cases, intimate images and videos are used to:

• control victims;

• threaten them;

• apply emotional pressure;

• seek revenge after relationship conflicts.

Victims are often threatened with:

• publication of photos;

• sending files to relatives;

• contacting employers;

• spreading content online.

Statistics raise concern

Recent studies show:

• more than 12% of young people in Spain report experiencing online sexual violence or non-consensual sharing of intimate content;

• many incidents are never reported to police.

Authorities are also increasingly concerned about:

• sexual deepfakes;

• AI-generated fake images;

• cyber harassment.

Orihuela and Vega Baja

Police in Vega Baja regularly investigate cases involving:

• gender violence;

• threats;

• coercion;

• stalking;

• psychological abuse.

Experts say many victims avoid reporting incidents due to fear, shame or concern about retaliation.

Police warning

Spanish National Police emphasise that threatening to distribute intimate images is already a criminal offence, even if the content has not yet been published.

Victims are advised to:

• save messages and evidence;

• avoid giving in to blackmail;

• contact police as soon as possible.

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