Com Group Member Jailed Over Abuse of 117 Victims
Justin Swaddle was jailed for two years after an NCA investigation identified 117 teenage victims linked to his online abuse.
A 20-year-old man from Leeds has been sentenced to two years in prison after a National Crime Agency investigation identified 117 teenage victims worldwide linked to an online abuse campaign carried out through a Com group.
Justin Swaddle, who was 17 when the offending took place, pleaded guilty to multiple child sexual abuse offences and blackmail at Leeds Crown Court on July 2, 2026. He was sentenced at the same court on August 10, 2026.
The NCA began investigating Swaddle in January 2024 after West Yorkshire Police arrested him in October 2023 for offences including the possession, making and distribution of indecent images.
Investigators examined Swaddle’s electronic devices and found hundreds of sexually explicit conversations involving young females. He had used platforms including Snapchat, Telegram and Discord, along with usernames including “Epstein,” “Rugen” and “Moscow.”
The investigation established that Swaddle was involved with a Com group, a term used to describe loosely connected online communities whose members can engage in criminal activity and compete for popularity and status through increasingly harmful behaviour.
The NCA identified 117 female victims aged between 13 and 17 who had communicated with Swaddle. Eight of the victims were in the UK, while international law enforcement partners helped identify and safeguard victims in the United States, Canada, Australia, Norway and New Zealand.
According to the NCA, Swaddle used personal information obtained from victims to threaten and blackmail them into providing further material. Investigators also recovered evidence showing that he encouraged harmful behaviour involving victims.
The court heard that Swaddle’s offending was carried out in an effort to gain popularity among his peers online.
Judge Peter Kelson KC described Swaddle as a predatory offender and said the case was among the more extreme cases he had dealt with.
Swaddle was sentenced to two years in prison and received a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He must also register on the National Sex Offenders Register.
The NCA said Com groups operate internationally across messaging platforms, social media and gaming services. Members can be motivated by recognition within their online communities rather than financial gain.
The agency is working with law enforcement, health and safeguarding partners as part of efforts to understand Com groups, identify offenders and protect potential victims.
Source: National Crime Agency (NCA)
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