The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest of 22 Nigerians accused of running extensive sextortion schemes that have been linked to the suicides of more than 20 teenage boys in the United States since 2021.
The arrests were made following Operation Artemis, a major international operation involving law enforcement agencies from Nigeria, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
According to a statement published on the FBI’s official website, the suspects were apprehended after an almost two-year investigation into online sextortion rackets that targeted teenage boys across various social media platforms.
The FBI revealed that the perpetrators posed as young women online, enticing victims into sharing sexually explicit images. After obtaining the images, they allegedly used them to blackmail the victims, threatening public exposure unless money was paid.
“In many cases, even after payments were made, the threats continued—pushing some victims to tragic ends,” the statement said.
Special Agent Karen R., who coordinated the Bureau’s efforts in the operation, emphasized the grave impact of the crimes.
“This is not a victimless crime. These are real children suffering real consequences,” she said.
The FBI reiterated its commitment to working with international partners to combat the growing threat of online child exploitation and bring those responsible to justice.
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