New Zealand Law/Criminal/Blackmail

Definition

Threatens to:

(a) make an accusation

(b) disclose something about anyone

(c) cause serious damage to property with intent; or

(d) endanger safety of any person with intent

such that it causes:

(i) any one to act with the will of the blackmailer; or

(ii) the blackmailer to obtain any benefit or causes any loss to any other person.

It is blackmail even if blackmailer believes that he or she is entitled to the benefit or to cause the loss unless the threat is reasonable and proper in the circumstances.