Photo: Cindy Crawford's Alleged Extortionist

November 13, 2009 | Celebrity Scandals
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Officials have released a photo of the man who allegedly tried to extort Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber.

Edis Kayalar is a model for German company HERMAEVENTS, TMZ.com reports. Federal authorities said that Kayalar was arrested and deported to his native Germany after attempting to extort money from the couple to not release a photo of their then-7-year-old daughter, Kaia, bound to a chair and gagged.

Kayalar reportedly attained the photo from one of Crawford's nannies. The supermodel, 43, was unaware her daughter had been photographed in the position, part of the nanny's "cops and robbers game."

A rep for the couple released the below statement Thursday night:

"A criminal complaint was filed today in federal court in Los Angeles by the U.S. Attorney's office and the FBI stating that Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford have been the victims of an on-going extortion scheme. This crime has been committed by Edis Kayalar, an acquaintance of a former nanny employed by the family. Mr. Kayalar threatened to sell an image taken of the couple's then-seven-year-old daughter. There was no previous awareness by Mr. Gerber and Ms. Crawford of the existence of the photograph when they were contacted by Mr. Kayalar. The photo was taken by the former nanny as part of a purported game without the knowledge of the parents. The couple reported the extortion threat to the police and the FBI began a criminal investigation in the matter. Rande Gerber and Cindy Crawford intend to pursue any and all available legal action against anyone who aids the perpetrator in the distribution or sale of the photograph of their daughter."

comments

First my heart goes out to the family and the child. I hope Cindy throws the book at these two and they never see the light of day again! They will get their just rewards in Prison! If it would have been me there would be no place on earth they would be able to hide and no amount of security that could protect them! People like that do not deserve a trial! Your guilty BYE BYE! This poor child and family, all because of someones greed for money and to lazy to earn it themselves! You are not supposed to be jealous of what someone else has. That is in the bible just not those exact words.

FreeCommonSense
November 16, 2009

It is disgusting to say the least! The nanny and this bozo need to serve some serious time for this one! It’s horrible enough that they tied this poor child up and gagged her…but the added affront of using the picture to extort money from the parents is beyond vile. As a parent, I say lock them both up! My prayers with the family who must now try and heal.

Irene
November 14, 2009

To do something to an innocent child and their family is lower than low. I hope Cindy and her family do prosecute to the fullest extent of the law, all guilty parties. As I stated earlier, sick.

Dawn
November 14, 2009

That is really, really disgusting. I would be infuriated. Glad that he was arrested. The nanny needs to face consequences as well.

Alissa
November 14, 2009

Cameras cameras cameras…you cant be complacent anymore when the US lets an obvious muslim that is complaining he cant go to his homeland and turn on another muslim…shoot up an army base..hey its time to friggin BE CAREFUL…..not paranoid CAREFUL…its not panicking to be VIGILANT AND CAREFUL…ALL PEOPLE WITH MONEY SHOULD PUT CAMERAS EVERY WHERE….THIS IS NOT THE SAME USA IT USE TO BE….

KATIE
November 13, 2009


Mary,
I know Cindy personally. The outrage over someone taking advantage of one of her children is going to be very severe. Hell have no fury when you mess with a strong person like Cindy. She is a fighter. The nanny in question obvious took advantage of her job and her position with the family. Playing such an awful game with her children was obviously a set up. People are looking for any way to get money out of celebrities and their 5 minutes of fame.
Look at the Travolta’s. This is so sad
because our society and reality TV encourages this behavior.

Jeni
November 13, 2009

Pretty sick.

Dawn
November 13, 2009

Wow some people do jump to conclusion ,,where the heck did you get child abuse Mary ?

Apparently because this is an x nanny there must have been problems with her over the children prior to this incident . It seems like the nanny had plans to cash in which was why she made the photo .There will be more coming out about the conection between the nanny and the extortionist wait and see.

Linda
November 13, 2009

Hey mary…are you an idiot by profession or a newby? The parents did not know what the nanny did. I imagine she is going to jail as well. Read the whole story first before you comment. Or maybe learn how to read.

cari
November 13, 2009

Who let’s their nanny tie there 7 yr old up to a chair for a game? Sounds like they believe Crawford’s lame excuse for child abuse just because she is a celebrity. I hope the police are investigating further. I’m not saying this idiot was right for trying to extort her… but come on!

mary
November 13, 2009

Some guy sends her emails asking for money for a picture? This ain’t news. Slow news day Extra?

Alan
November 13, 2009
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