By Nigerian News24 staff
FBI Arrests 22 Nigerians in Global Sextortion Crackdown Linked to Teen Suicides
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced the arrest of 22 Nigerian nationals allegedly involved in a disturbing international sextortion ring that has led to the deaths of over 20 teenage boys in the United States since 2021.
The arrests came as part of Operation Artemis, a large-scale joint investigation that spanned nearly two years and involved law enforcement agencies from Nigeria, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. The operation targeted online networks exploiting teenagers on social media by coercing them into sharing explicit images.
According to a statement released on the FBI’s official website, the suspects posed as young women to deceive teenage boys into sending nude photos. Once in possession of the images, the perpetrators reportedly blackmailed the victims, threatening to release the content unless they paid money.
“Even in cases where victims complied and paid, the threats didn’t stop,” the statement noted. “Some were pushed to the point of taking their own lives.”
Special Agent Karen R., who oversaw the FBI’s role in the operation, emphasized the gravity of the crime. “This is not a victimless offense. These are real children experiencing real trauma—and in too many cases, devastating outcomes,” she said.
The FBI reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the fight against online child exploitation and encouraged families to have open conversations about internet safety.