Blackmail

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259. (1) A person who, with a view to gain for themselves or another or with intent to cause loss to another, makes any unwarranted demand with menaces; and for this purpose a demand with menaces is unwarranted unless the person making it does so in the belief —

that that person has reasonable grounds for making the demand; and

that the use of the menaces is a proper means of enforcing the demand, commits the offence of blackmail and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.

The nature of the act or omission is immaterial, and it is also immaterial whether the menaces relate to action to be taken by the person making the demand.

Penal Code

12 Parts

s.259Blackmail— Penal Code (2026 Revision)

259

Section 259Part 9 — Offences Relating to Property

Blackmail

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that that person has reasonable grounds for making the demand; and

that the use of the menaces is a proper means of enforcing the demand, commits the offence of blackmail and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.

The nature of the act or omission is immaterial, and it is also immaterial whether the menaces relate to action to be taken by the person making the demand.