A 43-year-old woman has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after blackmailing men she contacted on an adult website, extorting thousands of pounds through threats and intimidation.
The Blackmail Tactics
Monika Konopska targeted men seeking companionship on adultwork.com, none of whom she had met in person. She threatened to reveal their activity on the site to their families and employers, providing proof of their home and work addresses. In one case, she sent photos of a victim’s adult children from Facebook to heighten the pressure.
First Victim’s ordeal
Posing as ‘Serena,’ Konopska initially requested £40 for petrol from the first victim in October 2024. She quickly escalated demands to £1,000 via phone and WhatsApp, warning of a scene if unpaid. The single man, widowed for 27 years with two children, complied out of fear.
Weeks later, she demanded another £700 without threats, but he refused. In May 2024, she sent a photo of his street sign, claiming she had spoken to neighbors. Doorbell footage captured her with bleach-blonde hair and glasses, delivering a handwritten note demanding £1,000. Terrified, the victim hid and later paid after she promised to delete his data.
In June, under the alias ‘Bianca,’ she intensified threats: “I can do serious damage in your life and destroy your reputation.” She revealed knowledge of his job, family, and routine, giving a 3pm deadline. He paid an additional £300, totaling £2,300 extracted.
Second Victim
In June 2024, Konopska contacted a second man from the same site, sharing her real bank details. She warned of ruining his life, mentioning his home-based work routine and issuing a 3pm ultimatum. When he ignored her, follow-up messages asked if he anticipated “consequences.” Fearing for his safety, he reported to police without paying.
Court Hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court
Prosecutor Mark Halsey detailed the scheme, noting Konopska’s traceable bank details led to her arrest. She claimed the interactions were “role play” with the first victim and a mistaken message to the second.
Defense lawyer Rebecca Malczewski highlighted Konopska’s remorse, job loss as a carer, recent breakup, and first-time turn to sex work amid desperation. “Ms Konopska feels deep shame and remorse for her actions,” Malczewski stated. “She considers these offences the biggest mistakes of her life.”
Judge Recorder Suki Dhadda condemned the acts: “This type of offending is deplorable. You should be ashamed.” She emphasized the victims’ fear and stress, with the first victim “scared for his life.” Dhadda noted the unsophisticated method, including self-identifying bank details and claiming Romanian involvement.
Originally from Poland with UK settled status, Konopska admitted blackmail and attempted blackmail. She must serve at least half her 18-month sentence in custody before release on licence, potentially affecting her status.
