Two men in Nigeria have been charged after an alleged sextortion scam over $500 led to an Australian schoolboy’s death.
The incident prompted a New South Wales Police investigation in 2023 after the death of a high school student.
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Detectives looked into the teenager’s phone records, uncovering messages that hinted at potential foul play.
According to revelations by The Sydney Morning Herald, the teenager had spent his final hours engaging in online conversations with an individual purporting to be a “woman”.
Subsequently, explicit photos were exchanged between the two parties.
Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft, Commander of State Crime Command’s Cybercrime Squad, described the progression of the conversation as initially jovial but taking a darker turn when nude photos were exchanged.
“And that was the gotcha moment,” he said.
The “woman” then pressured the teenager into sending $500, threatening to expose the explicit images to his family and friends if he failed to comply.
Tragically, the teenager took his own life mere hours after receiving these threats.
Cybercrime Squad detectives called the Australian Federal Police after tracing the messages to Nigeria.
Collaborating with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), investigators shared intelligence with counterparts in South Africa.
Last month, Nigerian police visited a slum in the country and apprehended two young men allegedly involved in the scam.
The suspects have been charged with sextortion, a form of blackmail involving explicit images or videos.
It is alleged the Nigerian men had worked out the Australian teen’s close network, making it more plausible they would act on threats if the $500 was not handed over.
“We want young people to continue to report these cases, and to never be embarrassed to talk to police. Sextortion is a very real crime that we can take serious action against.”
If you are struggling or know someone who needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
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