The FBI has issued a warning about the rising cases of sextortion, where offenders manipulate minors into producing sexually explicit material for extortion.
These crimes, occurring predominantly online, involve coercing minors, usually males aged 14 to 17, into creating and sending compromising material. The offenders then threaten to release the material unless more is produced or payment is received.
Between October 2021 and March 2023, over 13,000 reports of such incidents were received, involving at least 12,600 victims and resulting in at least 20 suicides.
A notable increase of 20% in reports was observed from October 2022 to March 2023. Offenders, primarily based outside the United States in countries like Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines, are motivated by financial gain and sexual gratification.
The FBI emphasizes the importance of awareness and vigilance in online activities to prevent these exploitative crimes.