The FBI has arrested 22 Nigerian nationals in a first-of-its-kind global operation, “Operation Artemis,” aimed at combating financially motivated sextortion schemes that have tragically led to the suicides of numerous American victims

In a groundbreaking global operation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has apprehended 22 Nigerian nationals implicated in financially motivated sextortion schemes that have resulted in the devastating suicides of several American victims.

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Dubbed “Operation Artemis,” this unprecedented surge of resources and personnel was specifically launched by the FBI to address the alarming rise in American suicides directly attributed to these criminal activities originating from Nigeria.

According to an official statement from the FBI, “In coordination with multiple law enforcement partners, the FBI conducted Operation Artemis a surge of resources and personnel to Nigeria to address the high rate of sextortion related suicides attributed to Nigerian perpetrators.

As a result of Operation Artemis, FBI investigations led to the arrests of 22 Nigerian subjects connected to financially motivated sextortion schemes. Of those 22 subjects, approximately half were directly linked to victims who took their own lives.”

The FBI emphasized the significance of this operation, stating, “This operation marks a significant step in the fight against child exploitation and brings justice and accountability to international perpetrators hiding anonymously behind screens.”

FBI Director Kash Patel underscored the agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, asserting, “Operation Artemis exemplifies the FBI’s never-ending mission to protect our most vulnerable, and to pursue the heinous criminals harming our children no matter where they hide.”

As a result of Operation Artemis, FBI investigations led to the arrests of 22 Nigerian subjects connected to financially motivated sextortion schemes. Of those 22 subjects, approximately half were directly linked to victims who took their own lives,” – FBI Statement.

Patel also highlighted the critical importance of international collaboration in tackling this growing threat, stating, “This operation highlights the critical need for international cooperation to address this growing threat, and it’s a fight we can’t take on without our valued partners across the globe.

We hope this message encourages parents and guardians to continue to educate their children about online safety and serves as a reminder of the FBI’s relentless pursuit of keeping our children safe.”

Financially motivated sextortion involves predators deceiving minors into creating and sharing sexually explicit content, which is then used to blackmail them for money.

These scammers often pose as attractive young girls online, targeting teenage boys and manipulating them into sending compromising photos or videos. Once in possession of this material, they demand payment under the threat of sharing it with the victims’ family and friends.

The consequences of these schemes have been catastrophic. The FBI reports that at least 20 suicides have been linked to financially motivated sextortion since October 2021, with countless other victims suffering severe emotional trauma and psychological distress.

The agency has also noted a concerning 20% increase in sextortion incidents targeting minors within a recent six-month period.