Cambridge University grad used ‘666devil’ username to blackmail victims into sharing abuse images on dark web
Dr Matthew Falder was snared by spies from GCHQ after he threatened to expose his victims if they did not send depraved images of themselves
A DEPRAVED scientist who lured his victims on Gumtree and blackmailed them into sending twisted abuse images to share on the dark web has admitted 137 offences.
Dr Matthew Falder, 28, also admitted charges of causing the sexual exploitation of a child, voyeurism, making and distributing indecent images of children and encouraging the rape of a four-year-old.
The Cambridge University graduate preyed on his victims for at least eight years and humiliated more than 50 youngsters online using the names "666devil" and "evil mind".
His sickening campaign of abuse was rumbled when spies from GCHQ unmasked him and he was arrested.
Shamed geophysicist Falder, who worked at Birmingham University, has now been labelled one of the UK's worst sex offenders after he pleaded guilty to 137 offences.
Birmingham Crown Court heard how Falder posed as a woman on sites such as Gumtree to trick his victims into sending naked or partially clothed images of themselves.
He then distributed the pictures - some showing babies and children being tortured - on the dark web and discussed them to humiliate his victims.
Sick Falder threatened to expose his victims if they didn't send depraved images of themselves leaving some so traumatised they self-harmed or attempted suicide.
He was the first to be snared under the National Crime Agency's "hurt core" offending - hidden web forums dedicated to the discussion and sharing of "dark" matter.
Ruona Iguyovwe, from the Crown Prosecution Service's International Justice and Organised Crime Division, said: "Matthew Falder is a highly manipulative individual who used his knowledge of computers and the internet to persuade dozens of young people to supply him with degrading images he could distribute online and subsequently use in blackmailing them.
"He clearly enjoyed humiliating his victims and the impact of his offending, which carried on over several years, has been significant."
Matt Sutton, National Crime Agency senior investigating officer, added: "In 30 years of law enforcement I have never come across such horrifying offending where the offender's sole aim was to cause such pain and distress.
"There are more than 50 victims in this case and I commend them for their bravery in helping us convict a truly evil offender.
"'It has been an extremely complex investigation into a prolific online predator, who over several years believed he could evade law enforcement to sexually and sadistically exploit vulnerable victim."
Cambridge University confirmed Falder was a student between 2007 and 2016 as they offered support to anyone "who has concerns about the case".
In 30 years of law enforcement I have never come across such horrifying offending where the offender's sole aim was to cause such pain and distress
Matt Sutton, National Crime Agency senior investigating officer
A spokesman added: "The university is deeply shocked and saddened by this case.
"Our thoughts are with the victims of these awful crimes and with their families, who have no doubt been deeply affected by this."
Judge Philip Parker QC remanded Falder into custody until December 7, when he will be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court.
A spokesman for the University of Birmingham said: "The University is shocked to hear of the abhorrent crimes committed by a former post-doctoral researcher.
"We have no reason to believe that the offences are in any way connected with the University."
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