Gangs put witnesses’ addresses and statements on Twitter to intimidate them
A new TV documentary exposes how gangs are trying to get off their crimes or exact revenge from behind bars
GANGSTERS post witnesses’ statements and addresses on Twitter to intimidate them, a TV exposé reveals.
The crooks are legitimately shown papers by their lawyers but then photograph them.
Seven such statements about murders, knifings and jail attacks have appeared on a Twitter account over the past year.
A number have the hashtag #Snitchsquad.
Some gangsters threaten witnesses from behind bars with smuggled-in phones.
Crime expert Dr Simon Harding told Channel 4’s Dispatches: “It’s a way of communicating they have power and authority over an area or individuals.
“Police aren’t fully on top of this yet.”
Abraham Badru, 26, was shot dead this year in Hackney, East London, nine years after he foiled a gang rape and helped jail the attackers.
Mum Ronke believes it is why he was killed.
The gunman remains at large.
Det Supt Mike West said: “We need to improve our ability to scan for risk on social media.
“We’re seeing a transition from online content into offline violence.”
Twitter refuses to axe the account outing witnesses.
- Intimidation Revealed: Stitches For Snitches, on Dispatches tomorrow at 8pm
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