Man, 21, charged with cybercrime and bomb hoax offences following international investigation
A 21-year-old man has been charged with a series of offences, including blackmail, computer misuse and communicating false information causing bomb hoaxes, following an investigation involving the Police Service of Northern Ireland and international law enforcement partners.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Cyber Crime Investigations Team confirmed the charges on Thursday 15 October.
The man is due to appear before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court on Friday 16 October.
Investigation into January incidents
Police said the charges relate to incidents dating back to January 2026.
The man was initially arrested on 16 February before being released on bail to allow detectives to continue their enquiries.
He was arrested again on Thursday 15 October and subsequently charged.
The investigation involved cooperation between the PSNI and international law enforcement partners, although police have not identified the other agencies involved.
Seven charges brought
The PSNI confirmed that the man faces seven charges.
These include two counts of communicating false information causing a bomb hoax, contrary to the Criminal Law (Northern Ireland) Order 1977.
He has also been charged with encouraging or assisting serious self-harm and threatening communications under the Online Safety Act 2023.
Two further charges relate to computer misuse, including unauthorised access to computer material and unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate further offences.
The remaining charge relates to blackmail under the Theft Act (Northern Ireland) 1969.
Court appearance scheduled
The accused is expected to appear before Dungannon Magistrates’ Court on Friday 16 October.
Police confirmed that, as is normal procedure, the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
No further details about the circumstances of the alleged offences have been released.
PSNI — Detectives from Cyber Crime Investigations Team charge man to court, 15 October 2026
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