THE MOTIVE BEHIND THE CRIME OF ELECTRONIC BLACKMAIL

Abstract

Electronic blackmail is an emerging crime due to scientific advancements in technology and information systems, as well as the widespread use of the internet and social media. Criminals have exploited modern technological means to carry out their crimes by threatening victims with the publication of videos, images, or personal information or revealing a secret they are hiding from the public unless they comply with the criminal's demands. Many factors have contributed to the spread of this crime, including family disintegration, distance from God, economic factors, and the ease of hacking and misusingelectronic devices. Electronic blackmail is characterized by features that distinguish it from traditional threats, the most important of which is that it is carried out electronically, awayfrom physical violence. Therefore, the perpetrator must possess knowledge of technological tools and a degree of intelligence. Additionally, this transnational crime makes it difficult to identify the criminal, prove the crime, and prosecute the offender, thereby increasing its danger. The motive behind committing the crime of electronic blackmail differs according to the group it targets. It may be committed for financial gain, targeting businessmen and the wealthy, or it may be sexually motivated, where the victims are often women and minors. In other cases, it may be committed for revenge, where the victim is a competitor to the perpetrator in a profession or business. The crime may also be committed for personal gain or political motives. Regardless of the motive, the motive in electronic blackmail is always immoral, as the means to satisfy it is immoral, namely through threats. Despite the seriousness and importance of this crime, the Iraqi legislator has not addressed its provisions through a specific law. Instead, Iraqi courts apply the provisions of traditional threat crimes.