Ministers vow action after teen sextortion victim took own life
The UK government has pledged to make the online world safer for young people after an 18-year-old died by suicide following a sextortion scam. Cai Davies, from Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, took his own life in June 2025 after being targeted by scammers operating from Africa. South Wales Central Coroner’s Court heard that Davies had sent intimate images to a woman he believed was romantically interested in him. The images were then used to blackmail him. Assistant coroner Rachel Knight recorded a conclusion of suicide, saying personal stresses plus the sextortion scam “more than minimally contributed” to his death.
Coroner’s findings
Knight described how the conversation “quickly turned sexual” and the woman asked for intimate images. “The images were indeed sent to at least one of Cai’s Facebook friends by the scammer,” she said. Davies was “bombarded with video calls and messages” demanding money.
In response, Online Safety Minister Ian Murray said the circumstances were “profoundly troubling.” He added that the government is fully committed to making the online world as safe as possible, especially for children and young people. Murray cited recent measures including criminalising the taking of intimate images without consent and requiring platforms to remove them.
The Welsh government said telecommunications and internet services are reserved to Westminster, but Senedd ministers are committed to reducing online harm in Wales. Education Minister Anna Brychan and Culture Minister Heledd Fychan said they will continue to engage with the UK government and Ofcom on online safety risks. They are also reviewing guidance and developing a new online safety programme for schools.
