Blackmail in Aurich: friend cheated out of 200,000 euros through a perfidious game!

Blackmail in Aurich: friend cheated out of 200,000 euros through a perfidious game!

In a sensational case from Hinte, a 34-year-old is charged with predatory extortion before the Aurich regional court. What starts as a game ends in a nightmare for his best friend. The defendant extorted more than 200,000 euros by taking on the role of a woman and making his friend believe that he was being threatened by an alleged brother who could harm him if he did not transfer money. NWZonline reports that the start of the trial was merciless: the defendant admitted his crimes, but showed no remorse.

The perfidious game began in 2019 when the defendant had difficulty making social contacts. In order to portray himself as wealthy - and thus keep his girlfriend - he got in touch with his friend. He built a fictional identity and created the illusion of wealth from Bitcoin and stock trading. The result: threats that eventually turned into reality and put the friend in financial and psychological distress.

Psychological stress and addictive behavior

The defendant's psychological background is complex. According to an expert, he suffers from a severe personality disorder and shows no empathy. This is also consistent with studies showing that over 50% of computer game addicts suffer from personality disorders. The most common disorders include borderline and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. These personality disorders can contribute significantly to escape into digital worlds, which in turn increases problematic behavior. Dr. Armin Kaser explains, that excessive gaming is also often facilitated by social adjustment problems and emotional difficulties.

Another important element of the game that fascinates people like the defendant is immersion, which allows players to immerse themselves in another reality. This is sometimes referred to as escapism - an escape from everyday life that can ultimately lead to addiction. The WHO has included Gaming Disorder in ICD-11, meaning that pathological gamblers and related problems can now be treated seriously as a medical diagnosis. The Federal Agency for Civic Education provides a detailed overview of the criteria necessary to be classified as a pathological gambler.

A frightening cycle

The victim roles are clearly assigned and the consequences are devastating. The defendant's best friend fell into a spiral of fear and financial ruin. In order to settle the claims, he took out huge loans and was defenseless against the pressure of blackmail. Finally, it was the friend's partner who went to the police and filed a report. This was the first step towards justice.

The way virtual gaming affected the real lives of those involved highlights the dangers associated with excessive gaming and experiencing virtual worlds. Above all, it shows how important it is to seek help early on. Prevention approaches and treatment measures are essential to counteract such developments.