Oliver Steadman, 28, of Pemberton Gardens in Archway was charged with one count of blackmail and five counts of improper use of a public electronic communications network today (September 17).
Police launched a probe earlier this year after it was reported that a number of men with links to Westminster had received unsolicited messages from a figure claiming to be called “Charlie” or “Abi”.
The fake accounts were allegedly engaged in a sophisticated scam designed to coax MPs and other figures in political circles into sending explicit pictures.
Former Conservative MP William Wragg resigned the party whip after he admitted giving politicians’ phone numbers to a suspected scammer.
In April, the Met confirmed it was investigating allegations of unsolicited explicit images and messages that had been sent.
The blackmail charge is in relation to alleged unwarranted demands for the phone numbers of up to 12 people from one victim.
Four of the communication charges relate to the sending of alleged unsolicited indecent images.
The five alleged victims are in Westminster politics, including MPs, the Crown Prosecution Service and Scotland Yard said.
The BBC reports that Steadman was suspended as a Labour member after the party was told about his arrest in June 2024.
He then resigned as a councillor in Islington the following month.
Mr Steadman will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 3.
