The Metropolitan Police, in coordination with Leicester Police, has launched an investigation into a honeytrap scandal in Westminster, marked by the receipt of unsolicited messages by multiple members of Parliament (MPs). This initiative followed revelations from Conservative MPs Luke Evans and William Wragg about receiving and being manipulated through explicit WhatsApp messages.

Luke Evans reported experiencing cyberflashing, while William Wragg disclosed that he was compelled to share colleagues’ phone numbers with an individual met on the social networking app Grindr, under the threat of having intimate images exposed. Wragg admitted his actions had unintended negative impacts on others.

Additionally, the scandal came to light through reports from other political figures and journalists, including the BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent, Henry Zeffman, and journalist Harry Yorke, who were also targeted with flirtatious and manipulative messages. These incidents have raised concerns about potential blackmail and the safeguarding of personal and professional privacy within political circles.

Responding to the series of events, Downing Street issued a caution to MPs regarding unsolicited communications and underscored the significance of alerting proper authorities if targeted unlawfully. The occurrence has prompted speculation about foreign involvement aiming to acquire compromising material on UK politicians and intensified the discussion on the necessity of enhanced data security measures.

The investigations remain ongoing, with both the Metropolitan and Leicester Police scrutinizing the breadth and impact of this targeted honeytrap operation. Meanwhile, several affected individuals have been receiving assistance and advice from Parliamentary Security, highlighting the challenges of maintaining privacy and security in the digital era for public figures.