Australian authorities have confirmed the arrests of two males in Nigeria over the alleged sextortion of an Australian teenage boy. Photo / NSW Police
Australian authorities have confirmed the arrests of two males in Nigeria over the alleged sextortion of an Australian teenage boy. Photo / NSW Police
WARNING: This story deals with suicide and may be distressing.
After an international investigation, two men living in a Nigerian slum have been charged with sextortion after an Australian boy took his own life in 2023.
The boy had been engaging online with an unknown person who threatenedto share personal photos of him with his family and friends if he did not pay $500.
He is believed to have taken his own life in 2023 as a result of the threats.
Police investigated the matter before it was referred to the NSW State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad, which traced the alleged perpetrators to Nigeria before requesting help from the Australian Federal Police.
As a result of the investigation led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), who were working alongside South African and Nigerian authorities, two Nigerian men were arrested and charged with sextortion offences in March.
Commander of NSW State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad, Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft, said the message to young people was that they don’t need to suffer in silence.
Two Nigerian men accused of sextortion that led to a teenage Australian boy taking his own life have been charged. Photo / 123RF
“We’ve seen a huge spike in sextortion cases, which are up nearly 400 per cent in the last 18 months,” he said.
“But the good news is people are reporting it and there are steps we can take to help you before it goes too far.
“We want young people to continue to report these cases and to never be embarrassed to talk to police.”
Craft said the arrests in Nigeria showed just how far police were willing to go to seek justice.
AFP Commander Helen Schneider commended the work of investigators, saying the arrests showed what could be achieved when law enforcement worked together to fight a global problem.
“The sextortion of children is a borderless crime, as these arrests show,” Commander Schneider said.
SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION
Where to get help:
• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
• What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
