Channel 5’s “Prime Suspect: Hunting the Predators” returns this Wednesday, taking viewers into the chilling world of online predation. The episode, “Anthony Burns,” exposes a serial “catfish” and blackmailer who preyed on vulnerable women seeking connection online.
The episode follows the stories of Hayley and Sophie, two women who formed online relationships with Burns, only to find themselves trapped in his web of manipulation and coercion. Burns presented himself as a wealthy, attractive millionaire, a carefully constructed facade that concealed his true nature.
As the National Crime Agency (NCA) investigates, they uncover a disturbing trove of evidence: over half a million images and videos of female and child sexual abuse hidden in Burns’ secret cloud account. The investigation reveals the extent of Burns’ depravity, including his practice of screen recording the abuse for his own gratification.
“Prime Suspect” provides unprecedented access to the inner workings of the NCA, showing the painstaking efforts required to track down online predators and bring them to justice. The episode includes interviews with Burns while he’s on remand in prison, giving a glimpse into the mind of a manipulator. Tune in to Channel 5 on Wednesday, March 5th at 9:00 PM for a disturbing, yet essential, look at the dangers lurking in the digital world.
