Two individuals have been arrested in Nigeria in connection with an alleged sextortion incident involving an Australian schoolboy who tragically took his own life.
Australian authorities revealed that the victim, a teenager, had engaged in exchanging explicit images online before facing threats and demands for money.
The accused were traced in Nigeria after a global investigation, where they will now face legal proceedings.
“Sextortion cases, especially targeting young people, are on a sharp rise,” stated Matthew Craft, the cyber-crime commander of New South Wales Police.
The alleged extortionists, described as “young males,” reportedly demanded A$500 from the victim, threatening to distribute sensitive photos to his contacts if he didn’t comply.
The pressure from these messages was immense, leading to the boy’s suicide on the same day last year.
Working alongside international counterparts, Australian detectives located the suspects in a densely populated area in Nigeria.
Evidence on their phones suggests they had attempted similar extortions before.
While they face charges related to the Australian case, they are not charged in connection with the boy’s death.
The increase in sextortion cases has been alarming, with a nearly 400% surge in recent times, according to Det Supt Craft.
He urged victims not to hesitate in reporting such crimes, emphasizing the seriousness of sextortion and the commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice for young individuals targeted in these schemes.
Source-BBC
