Police have made an arrest in the reported hacking and attempted sale of thousands of personal photos belonging to Pippa Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s sister.
London’s Sun newspaper reported that someone identifying himself in electronic messages as “Crafty Cockney” offered the publication 3,000 snaps for at least $64,000 (or £50,000). Authorities arrested a 35-year-old man on Saturday on suspicion of a Computer Misuse Act offense, Metropolitan Police confirmed to The Huffington Post on Sunday.
The encroached data is said to contain nude photos of Middleton’s fiancé, James Matthews; at least one image of the 33-year-old being fitted for the gown she wore to her sister’s wedding to Prince William; and photos of William, Kate and their two children.
“I would cosider (sic) these highly highly sought,” the seller wrote to the Sun.
The paper said it immediately notified Middleton, and a police investigation was launched.
The reported theft would be one of the most high-profile hackings and blackmail attempts against a celebrity. Previous victims of similar hacks include actress Jennifer Lawrence, model Kate Upton and “Saturday Night Live” comedian Leslie Jones.