Extortion Over Signal: Authorities Probe 'Red' and '8' Coercion

Authorities probe extortion of alleged thieves by mysterious figures 'Red' and '8' who used Signal. Encrypted messaging complicates investigations and arrests.

Authorities say an unusual extortion scheme has emerged in a recent investigation: would-be alleged thieves were reportedly coerced by two mysterious figures known only as “Red” and “8,” who communicated with them over the Signal messenger app. Law enforcement officials believe the suspects were being extorted into participating in crimes under threat, raising new concerns about organized crime using encrypted messaging for coercion.

According to investigators, the alleged victims received messages and instructions from accounts tied to the aliases “Red” and “8.” Those messages, sent via Signal’s end-to-end encrypted platform, reportedly included threats and demands that forced compliance or risked retaliation. Authorities emphasize these are allegations at this stage, and the probe is ongoing as detectives try to piece together digital trails and motive.

The use of Signal and other encrypted messaging apps complicates traditional investigative techniques. End-to-end encryption prevents service providers from reading message content, which can hinder immediate evidence collection. That reality has prompted detectives to rely more heavily on digital forensics, metadata analysis, device seizures, and financial tracking to identify the people behind the aliases. In many cases, law enforcement must combine technical expertise with old-fashioned legwork and cooperation from other agencies to build a case.

Cybercrime specialists warn that extortion over encrypted platforms is increasingly common, and it’s not limited to financial scams. Organized crime groups can leverage secure channels to recruit, coerce, or direct illicit activity remotely. Experts recommend that anyone contacted with threats or demands over an app like Signal preserve screenshots, avoid direct compliance, and report incidents to local authorities immediately. Digital evidence — even when content is encrypted — can include timestamps, delivery records, and linked accounts that help investigators.

As the investigation continues, authorities say they are following leads to identify those behind the aliases and determine whether the alleged coercion was part of a wider extortion network. The case underscores the tension between privacy protections offered by encrypted messaging and the challenges they pose to tackling extortion and organized crime. For community safety, investigators encourage anyone with information about communications from “Red,” “8,” or similar aliases to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement.

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