By Tom Martin
More than one in four sexual crimes, including image-based abuse, are now linked to cyber activity in Scotland.
An estimated 4,070 such crimes were recorded by police in 2024/25, with nearly 1,500 victims under the age of 18, according to the Scottish Government’s latest annual recorded crime report.
Cyber-sexual crimes have surged nearly fourfold over the past decade, driven in part by cases involving the threat or disclosure of intimate images.
The figures have sparked calls for action, amid warnings that authorities are “falling behind in the race” against criminals due to the pressures facing Police Scotland.
Ministers insist they are continuing to take robust steps to tackle sexual offending and violence against women and girls, including legislation to make it easier to prosecute those who share or threaten to share intimate images without consent.
Separate data presented to Holyrood’s criminal justice committee shows police recorded more than 190 image-based abuse cases linked to sextortion last year, up from just 30 in 2023. A further 77 cases have already been logged this year.
Despite a slight one per cent dip in all recorded cases of threatening to disclose or sharing intimate images, from 781 to 770 between 2023/24 and 2024/25, victim charities remain concerned about the long-term rise in cyber and other sexual offences.
Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, told 1919: “Unfortunately, this is a trend that we are seeing reflected in the number of people coming to us for support with these types of insidious crimes over the last few years.
“It’s particularly concerning that so many of these cases are impacting young people under the age of 18.
“Due to the nature of cyber-sexual crimes, people might be reluctant to report it to the police.
“They might be worried it won’t be taken seriously or feel embarrassed, but the person to blame is the perpetrator of the crime.
“People need to have the confidence to come forward for help and support, knowing their report will be taken seriously.”
The Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm Act came into force in 2017. Those who disclose or threaten to disclose an intimate photograph or film without consent can be jailed for up to five years.
Police recorded an estimated 14,120 cyber-crimes in 2024/25, a 16 per cent drop from 16,890 the previous year, though the figure remains well above pre-pandemic levels when around 7,710 were logged.
Cyber-enabled offences now account for at least five per cent of all recorded crime, including 27 per cent of sexual crimes and seven per cent of crimes of dishonesty.
Sexual offences involving a cyber element have nearly quadrupled in a decade, rising from 1,100 in 2013/14 to 4,070 in 2024/25.
These include sending indecent messages, making someone watch sexual activity or images, sharing indecent images of children, and voyeurism.
Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur said the figures “suggest that we are falling behind in the race between criminals and law enforcement”.
He added: “The police need the right skills and resources to tackle these crimes but it’s clear that a lack of resources and the loss of valuable civilian expertise has had a significant impact.
“The Scottish Government must ensure that officers have the tools, time and expertise to ensure these crimes are properly pursued.”
Sharon Dowey, Scottish Conservative community safety spokesperson, added: “This shocking surge in cyber-sexual crimes is deeply concerning and must be tackled.
“But the reality is years of brutal SNP government cuts have hollowed out Police Scotland, depriving the force of the resources needed to crack down on predators exploiting the online space.”
But a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We continue to take robust action to tackle sexual offending and violence against women and girls as is clear from the significant legislation we have brought forward – the 2018 Domestic Abuse Act and the 2016 Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm Act that criminalised disclosure of intimate images that we are seeing in these figures.
“We urge and hope all victims will continue to come forward so that perpetrators can be found and brought to justice.”
Victim Support Scotland can provide anyone who has experienced cyber-sexual and other crimes with confidential support. To get in touch, call 0800 160 1985 or visit victimsupport.scot