Bid to extradite Filipino over death of blackmailed Scots teen

PROSECUTORS have launched a bid to extradite a Filipino man over the death of Scottish teenager who killed himself after being subjected to online blackmail by strangers.

Daniel Perry, 17, from Dunfermline in Fife, died in July 2013 after he allegedly fell victim to “sextortion” where internet users are lured into webcam chats and then blackmailed with the footage.

Daniel, an apprentice mechanic, was said to have believed he was talking to an American girl online but was then told by blackmailers conversations had been recorded and would be shared with friends and family unless he paid them money.

Police Scotland detectives enquiries revealed an electronic online trail leading to the Philippines and links to organised crime groups there.

A warrant has now been issued for the arrest of Archie Gian Tolin in the Philippines, and the Crown Office want to see him face trial in Scotland.

In 2014 he was arrested and bailed in the Philippines along with others as part of an operation by British and Filipino police into organised gangs involved in alleged cyber-crime.

The extradition move is thought to be the first since a new extradition treaty came into force between the UK and the Philippines.

A Crown Office spokesman said: “A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Archie Gian Tolin in connection with the death of Daniel Perry.

“Steps are now being taken to enforce that warrant and secure his extradition from the Philippines.”

Last night detective chief inspector Gary Cunningham said: “Following the death of Daniel Perry, Police Scotland has continued its inquiries along with a number of other agencies including Interpol and the authorities within the Philippines.

“A 20-year-old man is now subject to an international arrest warrant in connection with this investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

Speaking in 2014, Daniel’s mother, Nicola Perry, said: “The manner of Daniel’s death is every parent’s worst nightmare.

“Losing Daniel has left us all devastated and we are still trying to come to terms with what has happened.”

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