Women attending university in Aberdeen have been targeted by a “disgusting” social media group which asks men to share indecent images of female students.
A group calling themselves “the Brohood” has contacted several male students asking them to share explicit photos of women who attend Aberdeen University or Robert Gordon University (RGU).
The sick scheme came to light when one member, identified only as “nobouri94”, asked a 19-year-old North East College student to join over mobile phone picture-sharing app Snapchat.
The horrified recipient shared the message online along with a warning for his female counterparts to “watch out”.
The offending message stated: “Join the Brohood. Men’s only 18+ secret group for the select few.
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“Share, receive and enjoy the filthy girls of both Aberdeen universities with your fellow lads.
“Don’t ruin the fun – keep it secret.”
The student who revealed the ploy has asked to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, and last night raised concerns about how far the network extends.
He said: “The person who contacted me must have searched for students in Aberdeen to add, as I have no idea who it is and quite a lot of people have had this message.
“It seems the same text has been sent through different names and different accounts, as a few pals got it too.
“I think it is vile and I hope that putting this out there will stop people from doing it.”
Councillor Catriona Mackenzie, who is a graduate of both universities, called for those behind the group to be expelled if they are found to be students.
She said: “I am disgusted to hear that this group exists and think the individuals behind it are pathetic.
“I have the deepest sympathy to any victims of this perverted and exploitative behaviour.”
A spokeswoman for Aberdeen University said: “We would urge anyone who has been affected to get in touch with our student advice and support team, where confidential professional advice and support is available in person, by phone or online.”
An RGU spokesman added: “We have been made aware of this situation and will assist the authorities in any investigation.
“There are support services available to any of our students who may have been affected.”
Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has campaigned for tighter safeguards on Snapchat and said she was “appalled but not surprised”.
She added: “The taking and sharing of intimate photographs without consent puts these people in a precarious position legally.
“I’d question those indulging in this whether it’s wise to jeopardise their future by being part of such groups.”
Under the communications act, it is illegal to disclose private sexual images without the consent of the person in the image.
Police last night said that no crime had been reported in relation to the “Brohood” group and Snapchat declined to comment.