Cindy Crawford targeted in 'extortion plot'

Cindy Crawford and husband Rande Gerber have reportedly been targeted in a blackmail plot involving a photograph of their daughter.

According to Sky News, the supermodel and Gerber were sent an image of the then 7-year-old bound, gagged and tied to a chair.

The picture was allegedly taken by the couple's former nanny as part of a "cops and robbers" game and later came into the possession of the suspect Edis Kayalar.

Kayalar, a German model, is believed to have met Gerber in a bar and claimed he did not want the image to reach the tabloids. Gerber later paid $1,000 (£600) after the photo was returned, however Kayalar allegedly contacted the couple again to ask for more money.

Following FBI advice, an email was sent to Kayalar on Tuesday promising that payment would be given this week.

The 26-year-old, who was recently deported to Germany from the US, was charged yesterday with attempting to extort $100,000 from the couple. He has not yet been arrested.

A representative for Crawford and Gerber said that they "intended 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".

The nanny reportedly claimed she intended to use the image for a prank but never went through with her plans. She has not been charged.