Teen admits to hacking ex-girlfriend’s social media and EID accounts

An 18-year-old man from Pieta was charged with computer misuse after he allegedly accessed and took control of several of his ex-partner’s online accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, Gmail and eID.

He was also charged with sharing or threatening to share intimate images as blackmail of his ex-partner, causing her to fear that violence would be used against her and harassing her.

Charges also included threats and causing damage to her property.

The woman and accused had been in a relationship for four years before separating in March.

The alleged victim had been living in Ireland for her studies, and during a difficult period, and shortly before the breakup, the victim’s family and accused travelled there to support her.

He reportedly asked to inspect her mobile phone to see who she was messaging.

Even after their breakup in March, they maintained some communication and on 5 November, the victim’s parents and the accused visited her again.

During this encounter, the victim realised he had been messaging other women and the relationship ended definitively.

Shortly afterwards, she discovered that several of her online accounts including Instagram, Facebook, Gmail and EID had been accessed without her permission by the accused. Passwords had been changed, effectively locking her out of her own accounts.

From Ireland, she attempted to file an online report to the Maltese police but the booking was cancelled by the accused from her Gmail account. The police believed she had withdrawn the report and therefore no follow-up occurred.

The victim later lodged a physical report at the Santa Luċija domestic violence hub. A risk assessment carried out at the DV Hub classified the situation as not high-risk.

The man pleaded guilty. Bail was requested by the defence and the prosecution did not object. 

Bail was granted against a €2,000 personal guarantee and a curfew was also imposed.

A ban on the publication of the names was requested by the defence and it was upheld.

The man will be sentenced on 26 November at 8:45am.

Inspector Colin Sheldon and Attorney General Lawyers Joseph Camilleri Azarov and Miguel Taliana prosecuted.

Defence lawyers Franco Debono and Charles Mercieca assisted the man.

Magistrate Ann-Marie Thake presided.