The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has revealed that the United States has suffered an estimated financial loss of nearly $65 million over the past two years due to sextortion crimes, allegedly orchestrated by Nigerian nationals.
According to the agency, the crimes involve manipulative schemes in which perpetrators coerce victims into sharing explicit content or financial information, often under false romantic pretenses or threats of exposure.
The FBI noted that these schemes have increasingly targeted vulnerable individuals online, resulting in significant emotional and financial damage.
Officials said ongoing investigations have traced a substantial number of these crimes to suspects based in Nigeria, sparking international collaboration efforts aimed at curbing the growing trend.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution in their online interactions and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement agencies promptly.
The bureau reiterated its commitment to working with global partners to hold perpetrators accountable and to dismantle transnational criminal networks exploiting digital platforms for financial gain.