“This is not a victimless crime. These are real children suffering real consequences.”
A multinational operation has dismantled a Nigerian-led sextortion network blamed for over 20 teenage deaths in the U.S. since 2021.
The FBI announced the arrest of 22 Nigerians following “Operation Artemis,” a two-year investigation involving five countries. The suspects allegedly posed as young women online, coercing teenage boys into sharing explicit content before blackmailing them. “These are real children suffering real consequences,” said Special Agent Karen R., noting some victims took their lives even after paying ransoms.
The scheme, operating across social media platforms, involved threats to publicly expose victims unless payments were made. International collaboration with Nigerian, UK, Canadian, and Australian authorities proved critical in cracking the transnational crime ring.