DUNDEE PAIR SET UP MAN IN CRUEL SEXTORTION SCAM
A pair of Dundee blackmailers gained £2,000 in a sextortion scam after targeting a 63-year-old man on dating sites.Brandon Marnie and Corey Anderson are at risk of being jailed and could be placed on the sex offenders register after convincing the man to send indecent images.
They posed as a 15-year-old boy named “Andy” after striking up sexualised conversations with their victim.
A meet-up was arranged at a city bus stop, where the man was confronted by unemployed Marnie, 19, and offshore worker Anderson, 27.
The pair used walkie talkies and police later found detailed messages on mobile phones discussing the scam.
Set up Dundee Sheriff Court was told how the man used gay dating sites and was contacted by “Andy” who initially said he was 18.
Conversations became sexual and the scammers later used the profile to say they had lied and it was actually a 15-year-old.
Prosecutor Kate Scarborough said the victim “knew it was wrong” to talk to the “boy” but continued to do so.
The profile requested naked images which the man sent and the scam came to light after a meeting on Drumgeith Road.
Ms Scarborough said: “The complainer decided not to go but received a message with a photo of an empty bus stop from ‘Andy’ saying he had been stood up.
“The complainer felt bad and decided to meet to provide advice and support.
He walked across Happyhillock Road and observed two males getting out of a car.
He heard either Anderson or Marnie shout: “Come over here, we won’t do anything to you.” The pair said the man had “two choices” – either being “battered” and “exposed” or sending them money.
Money transfers Just over £200 was in the man’s account at the time and he was told this was not enough.
Details were passed and £2,000 was later transferred to Marnie’s account.
Half the cash was sent by Marnie to Anderson.
The victim contacted police and the pair were later arrested with both providing “no comment” answers to officers.
The court was told how Marnie was provided with the support of an appropriate adult during interview.
Both men pled guilty on indictment to extorting the man by threatening to expose him for sending indecent images and attempting to meet an underage boy on November 15, 2024.
Prosecutors accepted a not guilty plea to similar behaviour towards another man.
Sentencing deferred Sheriff Tim Niven-Smith questioned whether Marnie was “beholden” to the older Anderson.
Marnie’s solicitor, Jim Laverty, added: “I have no instructions in relation to that.
“There is a family connection.
Those instructions may not reflect the true scenario.” The sheriff said there may be a significant sexual element to the offence and will decide at sentencing whether they will be placed on the sex offenders register.
Marnie and Anderson, both of Dundee, will return to court next month when reports are prepared.
