Full Breakdown
Waleed Saeed Sentenced for Large-Scale Online Sexploitation of Young Muslim Men
6/20/2026, 1:30:43 AM
Core Event and Sentence
In Snaresbrook Crown Court, 31-year-old Waleed Saeed received a 16-year custodial term and a 10-year Sexual Harm Protection Order after being found guilty of 17 offences, including rape, blackmail and the production of indecent images of children. The convictions relate to five identified victims.
Modus Operandi and Scope
Saeed operated multiple fake profiles on Snapchat, Instagram and Grindr, using usernames such as “Trans Girl Leah”, “amzyyyy09”, “ComeDeal” and variants of “blsup”. Posing as young women or transgender women, he targeted Muslim and South-Asian men, some as young as 15, soliciting intimate images that he later threatened to expose. Police estimate roughly 100 additional potential victims across the UK. The case involved eight counts of rape, several blackmail charges and multiple offences involving indecent images of children.
Timeline of Investigation
- 2018: First catfishing and blackmail incidents recorded.
- August 2024: An 18-year-old reported a rape after Saeed’s deception was uncovered.
- November 2024: Saeed arrested following forensic analysis of the victim’s phone.
- March 2025: Saeed pleaded guilty to nine charges; a jury later convicted him on additional counts.
- Sentencing: Delivered at Snaresbrook Crown Court on a Friday.
Victim Impact
A university student testified that “I don’t go home much because I am constantly afraid they’ll find out,” and said he now relies on anti-anxiety medication and monitors Snapchat notifications for threats. An 18-year-old victim described being forced into three late-night park meetings after Saeed revealed his true identity.
Official Statements and Responses
Detective Constable Peter Collington said Saeed deliberately chose victims he believed would be reluctant to involve police because of cultural stigma. The Metropolitan Police issued a public appeal, promising confidentiality and offering support through the LGBT+ charity Galop. A police spokesperson confirmed that victims’ identities will be protected and that disclosure to family is not required. Judge HHJ Greene noted that Saeed exploited negative cultural attitudes toward homosexuality, describing him as “adept at catfishing and sexploitation.”
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The Metropolitan Police’s estimate of roughly 100 additional victims contrasts with the five individuals formally charged, and the exact number of child images seized remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am making a direct appeal to other victim-survivors who may not have had the confidence to come forward.” — Detective Constable Peter Collington
- “You, yourself, are gay and like some of your victims, deeply troubled by what you perceive as your culture's negative views of homosexuality.” — HHJ Greene
- “A victim impact statement read to the court said: "I don't go home much because I am constantly afraid they'll find out.” — University student victim
- “What has been done to you is wrong, and we will do everything in our power to support you.” — Metropolitan Police spokesperson
What’s Next
The Metropolitan Police continue to seek information on additional victims or usernames; victims may call 101 and quote reference 5335/18JUNE2026, or obtain independent support from Galop.
