'Labour Party member' arrested in Westminster honeytrap investigation

A police officer stood in front of Big Ben

The Metropolitan Police arrested a man in his mid 20s earlier today

PA
Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 26/06/2024

- 17:30

Around 12 politicians were reportedly approached by 'Charlie' and 'Abi'

A Labour Party member has been arrested as part of the Metropolitan Police’s honeytrap investigation.

The man, described as being in his mid 20s, was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of harassment and offences under the Online Safety Act.


Multiple victims were informed by police about the Islington man’s arrest.

At least a dozen men involved in politics were alleged to have received unsolicited, flirtatious WhatsApp messages from people calling themselves "Charlie" or "Abi".

A police officer stood in front of Big BenThe Metropolitan Police arrested a man in his mid 20s earlier todayPA

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "On Wednesday, June 26, police executed a warrant at an address in Islington.

"A man was arrested on suspicion of harassment and committing offences under the Online Safety Act. He was taken into custody where he remains.

"The arrest relates to an investigation being carried out by the Met's parliamentary liaison and investigation team following reports of unsolicited messages sent to MPs and others. The investigation remains ongoing."

GB News understands that Southside was notified of the arrest of a party member in Islington earlier today.

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Messages obtained by GB News showing 'Charlie' messaging MPs

Messages obtained by GB News showing 'Charlie' messaging MPs

GB NEWS

The man is believed to have had his Labour Party membership stripped immediately.

Conservative Dr Luke Evans, who is seeking re-election as the MP for Hinckley & Bosworth, was approached by two different numbers “who purported to know me”.

Ex-Tory MP William Wragg admitted sharing other politicians' personal numbers to someone he met on a dating app amid blackmail fears about the release of compromising information and pictures he had sent them.

The former 1922 Committee vice chairman said: “They had compromising things on me. They wouldn’t leave me alone. They would ask for people. I gave them some numbers, not all of them. I told him to stop. He’s manipulated me and now I’ve hurt other people.

“I got chatting to a guy on an app and we exchanged pictures. We were meant to meet up for drinks, but then didn’t. Then he started asking for numbers of people. I was worried because he had stuff on me. He gave me a WhatsApp number, which doesn’t work now.”

The man in his mid 20s, from Islington, was a Labour Party member

The man in his mid 20s, from Islington, was a Labour Party member

PA

GB News has obtained copies of some of the messages sent to MPs.

An opening message said: “Was sad not to bump into you during conference season! It’s been too long.”

It added: “How are you? Do I need to do something better to grab your attention.”

Another message said: “Oh hey! How’re you?”

A follow up text added: “Sorry accident. Hey, hey. We not gonna pick this up then?”

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