Explicit images of 45 AFL players leaked on social media, police investigating

The Australian Football League (AFL)  is dealing with explicit images of 45 current and former players being leaked and shared online.

Currently, the source of the leak is unknown but could face criminal prosecution if their identity is discovered.

Reportedly, both current and former players were included in the leaks, including Brownlow medallists (AFL equivalent of a Most Valuable Player award).

Police from across Australia are working with the AFL to try and uncover who leaked the images.

The Victoria police force has stated, “Victoria Police is aware of explicit images being circulated online of athletes”.

Whilst the images have seemingly been removed, there is still the chance to huge fines incoming for the perpetrator. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said, “they [the leaker] face a penalty of up to $687,500.”

Given the collection of images, it appears whoever leaked these images went to some lengths to obtain them, the AFL in a statement said, "There appears to have been significant work involved in gathering the images”.

The police and AFL are also trying to uncover why the images were leaked, stating, "The AFL has no information regarding why the personal images have been circulated illegally and without consent or what the motive is in doing so."

The images were sent via a Google Drive link, which contained an alphabetised collection of AFL players, by Thursday morning Australian Eastern Standard Time the images were removed from the Google Drive.

According to a statement from the AFL Players' Association chief Paul Marsh, “While it is important to note that some of the images may not be legitimate”.

Marsh also called the leaks a, “disgusting act and a likely unlawful breach of privacy that is unacceptable”.

According to Australian newspaper, The Herald Sun, “one of the names embroiled in the scandal said he had spoken to several other players who were also “really disappointed”.

Geelong legend Jimmy Bartell spoke to Melbourne radio show 3AW Breakfast where he called the leaks, “disgusting” and  “It’s someone grubby who will hopefully get caught…This is a criminal matter now”.

According to reports, the leaks include images and videos of players which include distinguishing tattoos as well as screenshots of private messages sent by these players.

The AFL Player’s Association mentioned in their statement, “We will support our impacted members through our legal and wellbeing services. This is now a police matter, and we will continue to assist as necessary.”

The leaks first surfaced on 5th July and with so little known of how these leaks occurred, there are still many unanswered questions. Australian police and the AFL will release more information as they receive it.