Police have arrested 18 more suspects in an investigation into a Delft-based blackmail ring targeting men with nude photographs.

At least 30 other people were arrested earlier at the beginning of October in connection with the sextortion probe, of whom four, said to be the ringleaders, remain in custody. The others are thought to be money mules who allowed their bank accounts to be used by the gang.

Police say the suspects blackmailed dozens of men and some 50 have so far come forward. The victims were all members of online dating sites who thought they were conversing with women. The ‘women’ persuaded them to send nude photographs in the run up to actual dates.

However, before the dates took place, the men were approached on Whatsapp with demands for cash to stop the photos being sent to friends and family.

Some of the men handed over tens of thousands of euros to the gang, who are thought to have netted at least €125,000, police say.