Global Investigation – An international operation resulted in 22 sextortion ring arrests in Nigeria. The FBI announced the crackdown, targeting individuals allegedly behind a scheme linked to more than 20 teen suicides in the U.S. since 2021.
Operation Artemis: A Coordinated Effort
The arrests stem from Operation Artemis. This investigation began nearly two years ago. It involved law enforcement from the U.S., Canada, Australia, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom working together.
“FBI investigations led to the arrest of 22 Nigerian subjects,” the FBI stated. The agency confirmed, “At least one arrest is linked to an American victim who took their own life.” This highlights the severe impact of the alleged sextortion ring.
How Teens Were Targeted
Investigators outlined the cruel method used. Scammers created fake online profiles, often appearing as young women. They befriended teenage boys online. Then, they persuaded the boys to share explicit photos.
Once they had the images, the scammers demanded money. They threatened to share the photos publicly. The threats often continued even if victims paid. “Analysis… revealed heartbreaking narratives of young kids enduring panicked negotiations,” the FBI shared, showing the immense fear victims faced.
Scale of the Sextortion Crisis
This type of crime affects many young people. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) logged over 54,000 sextortion victim reports in 2024 alone. Australian Federal Police noted they handle around 300 new cases monthly.
Special Agent Matthew Crowley, reporting from Nigeria, shared a suspect’s chilling words: “‘It’s easy money. I can just move on to the next one…'” Crowley noted the high volume: targeting 40 victims daily could yield $600 from just three paying $200 each. These sextortion ring arrests aim to disrupt such operations.
Families Enduring Unimaginable Loss
For families affected by related suicides, the aftermath is devastating. One father described the loss of his 16-year-old son: “Everything that he loved… all threatened right then… He scared him so bad that he shot himself.” His words underscore the terrible consequences when young people are trapped by sextortion.
Abdullah Korede
