Police warn against social media posts naming Reynhard Sinaga's victims
It follows a number of posts identifying victims on sites like Instagram and Twitter.
Greater Manchester Police have issued a warning to anyone sharing posts which identify victims of Britain's most prolific rapist, Reynhard Sinaga.
Officers have become aware of a number of posts on sites like Twitter and Instagram after Sinaga was jailed for life on Monday at Manchester Crown Court.
The Indonesian post-graduate student was found guilty of nearly 160 sex offences.
The court heard how Sinaga would target men enjoying a night out in the city centre when they were alone and potentially vulnerable. He then lured them back to his apartment, drugged them with GHB and filmed his horrific assaults.
On Thursday morning, police issued a warning: "We are aware of a number of social media posts circulating which may identify potential victims of sexual offences in connection with the live investigation into Reynhard Sinaga.
"We would like to stress that under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000, victims of sexual offices have a lifelong right to anonymity and therefore any post which identifies victims of sexual offences constitutes a criminal offence. Additionally these posts risk jeopardising an ongoing investigation into serious crime.
"Please be mindful when sharing any social media posts."
Sinaga was completely unknown to police and his offending - which is believed to have taken place between 2005 and 2017 - only came to light in June 2017, when one of his victims woke up during one of the sickening attacks and fought him off.
After the incident was reported to police, the scale of his offending soon became apparent and he was swiftly arrested and charged before being remanded into custody.
Police believe there could be up to 190 potential victims.