Police hunt man who filmed victims for fake ‘nude game show’

Suspect asked victims to take part in ‘nude challenges’ for his own gratification, officers say

A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection with the offences, but was later released under investigation (PA)

Several people in London were duped into being filmed naked after being convinced they were taking part in a fake “nude game show”, police say.

Victims were approached by a man, who claimed to work in the entertainment industry, and told they could win a prize of £5,000 by taking part in a programme, according to the Metropolitan Police.

One victim told detectives he was then taken to a hotel room in Newham, east London, where he was encouraged to take part in a series of “nude challenges”.

However, the programme described to the man did not exist and police believe the suspect had instead filmed and kept the footage for his own gratification. 

A man, aged 28, had first come forward in June 2018 to report he had fallen victim to the scheme. A second man, 31, also approached officers in February this year to say the suspect had coerced him into similar activities at a hotel in southeast London.

A 29-year-old man was arrested in January 2019 on suspicion of voyeurism in connection with the offences, but was later released under investigation.

Sergeant James Mason, of the Met’s North East Basic Command Unit, said “We believe there may be more victims in relation to these events. I urge anyone who may be a victim of similar crimes or incidents from 2013 to the present day, to come forward with information.

“The reported incidents took place several years ago and it is important we are able to investigate these and support any further victims”.

Anyone with information or who believes they may have been a victim is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference CAD1162/11122020