What is known about the case?
On 16 October 2026, Funen Police announced that a 25-year-old man had been charged with grooming and sexual extortion involving 68 children, mostly aged 11–14. According to the indictment, contact took place through Snapchat or OmeTV. Police stated that proceedings at the Court of Svendborg were scheduled to begin on 20 October.
The defendant denies the charges. These are allegations, not a conviction. This news section is based on the police statement of 16 October and does not report later hearings. We do not reproduce abusive material or information identifying the children.
When contact becomes pressure
Grooming is manipulation in which someone builds a relationship with a child for a sexual purpose. Contact may feel like friendship even when it is being used to push the child's boundaries. The child may struggle to recognise what is happening.
Sextortion means sexual extortion. Threats to share intimate images can be used to demand money, more material or actions. A child deserves support even if they have already sent an image or done something they regret. Responsibility lies with the person exerting the pressure.
Make room for disclosure
Our suggestion is to start with a question that does not require a personal disclosure: what could someone do if an online contact kept requesting something they did not want to do? Which adult could help? Discuss situations before one happens.
If a child describes an experience, listen first. You could say: Thank you for telling me. You do not have to manage this alone. Avoid starting with blame, questions about why they did not refuse or threats to take away their phone. Support and safety come first.
Take pressure seriously and seek support
Danish police advise stopping contact, blocking the person and not paying or sending more. Threats to share intimate images should be reported. An adult can help find the appropriate reporting route and seek advice about evidence.
Save the Children Denmark's SletDet service supports children, young people under 18 and the adults around them with harmful experiences online. You do not need every answer before seeking support. In Denmark, call 112 for immediate danger or contact police on 114 otherwise.
Schools need to respond to disclosures
A classroom activity should explore ways to get help, not ask pupils to disclose personal experiences. Use fictional messages, allow pupils to opt out and explain who they can speak to afterwards.
A concern about an individual child must be handled separately from a lesson. Professionals must follow their reporting duties and safeguarding procedures. Our support pages bring together conversation prompts, a short classroom activity and relevant authorities. An app or class agreement cannot replace that support.