Two individuals have been apprehended in Nigeria in connection with a disturbing sextortion scheme targeting an Australian schoolboy, tragically resulting in his suicide.
According to Australian authorities, the teenage victim had engaged in exchanging explicit images online before facing relentless threats and monetary demands from the perpetrators.
Following an extensive global investigation, the suspects were located in Nigeria and are slated to appear in court to face charges.
Law enforcement agencies highlight the alarming surge in sextortion cases, particularly among young people.
To safeguard the privacy of the victim’s family, specific details such as his age and residence in New South Wales have not been disclosed publicly.
Described as “young males” by New South Wales Police, the alleged culprits threatened to distribute compromising photos to the victim’s acquaintances if he failed to pay A$500 (£260; $330).
Matthew Craft, cyber-crime commander of the police force, condemned the aggressive tactics employed, emphasizing the immense pressure placed on the victim.
The tragic outcome unfolded late last year when the boy took his own life.
Collaborating with counterparts in South Africa and Nigeria, Australian detectives traced the suspects to a Nigerian slum. The Nigerian police have been contacted for further information.
Evidence retrieved from the suspects’ phones indicates their involvement in similar extortion attempts, though charges have been laid solely for the Australian case, excluding the victim’s death.
Instances of teenagers resorting to suicide following sextortion schemes have been observed in Canada and the US in recent years, prompting concerns and heightened vigilance.
Detective Superintendent Craft highlighted a significant uptick in sextortion incidents, urging victims to come forward and emphasizing the gravity of the crime.
Despite Nigeria’s efforts to combat internet fraud, the allure persists, particularly for unemployed graduates. The transnational nature of sextortion poses challenges for law enforcement, although Nigerian nationals themselves have fallen victim to such schemes, alongside honeytrap scams.
