Bigo Live scandal: Criminal network accused of blackmail, driving victims to suicide

A criminal network allegedly operating through the Bigo Live streaming platform has been accused of exploiting explicit images of multiple women for blackmail, leading to severe emotional distress and, in some cases, suicide, according to court documents.

The alleged leader of the group, Servet Isik, is currently on trial alongside several other suspects. Investigations revealed that numerous explicit videos labeled as “exposure videos” were discovered on Isik’s mobile device.

Suspect denies blackmail allegations

During questioning, Isik claimed that he did not collect the videos for blackmail purposes but only for personal viewing. “The reason these videos are on my phone is solely for watching. I watch them and then delete them,” he said.

However, when pressed about whether the footage was used for blackmail, Isik acknowledged the occurrence of threats on Bigo Live, stating that individuals were threatened with having their private images shared with family members unless demands were met.

“There were a few suicides linked to these incidents, but I cannot recall their names,” Isik added, naming other suspects allegedly involved, including Hasan Dede (Smooth), Tayfur Canboy, A.Y, and Ali Korun (Zehir).

Victims share harrowing experiences

Several victims detailed their experiences as part of the court case. One victim, identified as E.T., recounted how intimate photos shared with an online acquaintance were later weaponized against her. “When our friendship ended, I realized that my photo was sent to someone named Zehir on Bigo Live,” she said.

E.T. explained how Zehir threatened to share her manipulated explicit photos online unless she complied with his demands for money or engaged in explicit online activities.

Another victim, K.T., described a similar ordeal. After sharing intimate content with Taner Beker, one of the suspects currently on the run, she was coerced into purchasing ₺34,000 ($960) worth of virtual tokens on the platform for suspect Tayfur Canboy.

“Even after I met their initial demands, they continued to pressure me for more,” K.T. stated.

Gang members’ blackmail scheme targets Ankara governor

On July 26, 2022, Ankara Governor Vasip Sahin received a threatening WhatsApp message from an international number according to a report.

The message stated: “We have heard that you come from a wealthy family. If you do not send $2,800 (₺100,000) to the IBAN we provided, we will use your information for fraudulent activities.” The sender included an account linked to one of the involved criminals Ali Korun.

Governor Sahin filed a complaint, leading prosecutors to open an investigation. Authorities detained Korun, who denied sending the message. According to Korun, the real culprits were Bigo Live users identified by their aliases “Ahtapot” and “Smooth,” along with two others, Faruk Karaahmetli and Basri Tokgoz.

Korun was released under judicial control, but the threats intensified. On Aug. 24, 2022, Governor Sahin and his family received another message. The sender warned: “Governor Sahin will abandon the case involving Ali Korun. If not, you will all meet your end through us. If you care about the well-being of your children, you will close this file.”

Criminal organizations use Bigo Live for blackmail, extortion

Investigators discovered that the gang used the Bigo Live app to collect personal images and videos from victims. They exploited these materials to blackmail individuals for financial gain. The group’s leader, identified as Servet Isik (“Uzun Aga”), and a senior member, Korun, operated under aliases to avoid detection.

Prosecutors found explicit materials on Isik’s devices, including numerous photos and videos used to target victims. The gang was also found in possession of 21,700 phone numbers from five foreign countries and 500 from Türkiye. They accessed this data through illegal software linked to Türkiye’s national registry, including information about former lawmaker Mehmet Metiner.

Authorities connected the gang to other blackmail cases, including a July 1, 2022, message targeting Chief Inci. The ongoing investigation has unveiled the group’s extensive operations across Türkiye and their misuse of social media platforms like Bigo Live.

Four members were arrested during the investigation. However, they were released in January 2024. Legal proceedings continue, as the Ankara 12th High Criminal Court examines the case and evaluates the evidence.