Nigerian Crime Gangs Target British Boys with Sextortion
The National Crime Agency warns that British teenage boys, especially aged 14-17, are being targeted by Nigerian sextortion gangs on social media, leading to blackmail after sharing explicit images. A new awareness campaign encourages victims not to pay and educates them on how to report these crimes safely. Data indicates a rising trend in sextortion cases, highlighting urgent needs for protective measures and education for both youths and their guardians.
British teenage boys are increasingly falling victim to Nigerian crime gangs involved in “sextortion,” where they are blackmailed after being tricked into sending explicit images online. The National Crime Agency (NCA) reported that these criminals primarily use platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, targeting boys as young as 14 and demanding payments of around £100 following their coercive tactics.
While child sexual exploitation typically affects females, 90% of sextortion victims are boys aged 14 to 17. If these victims refuse to comply, the gangs threaten to disseminate their compromising images among family, friends, and educational institutions. Beyond Nigeria, this fraudulent activity often involves individuals from the Ivory Coast and the Philippines.
Marie Smith of the NCA’s child exploitation and online protection command (CEOP) described the situation as “extremely disturbing.” Offenders usually operate under false identities as young women, convincing boys to send inappropriate images by promising reciprocation. After obtaining the images, they exert immediate pressure for payment, often allowing victims mere moments before making threats to expose them.
While teenagers predominantly make up the victim demographic, adults as old as 30 have reported similar scams. Tragically, some victims have resorted to suicide due to the fear of their images being shared publicly. In response, the NCA has launched a campaign encouraging victims not to panic or accede to blackmail demands.
Smith advised victims, “Do not pay – stay calm. We can help. If you pay once, they will just demand more.” The NCA collaborates with law enforcement in Nigeria to tackle these gangs, indicating a strong international commitment to address the issue. This awareness campaign aims to reach boys aged 15 to 17 through social media to educate about sextortion tactics and safe reporting methods.
Furthermore, NCA director Alex Murray emphasized that sextortion poses severe emotional harm and can lead to tragic outcomes, including suicide. The campaign not only empowers young boys with knowledge but also seeks to reduce the advantage held by criminals who exploit their financial motives. Recent statistics from the NCA revealed 380 sextortion reports in 2024, with UK police noting an average of 117 monthly reports involving under-18s.
The NCA’s commissioned study found that a significant portion (74%) of boys lacked a comprehensive understanding of sextortion and many did not identify requests for nude images as potential warning signs. Only 12% believed they could be at risk, indicating a serious need for increased awareness. To support parents and carers, the NCA has produced guidelines on recognizing sextortion risks and engaging in discussions with their children about online safety.
This campaign is an extension of prior NCA efforts, including an alert issued to teachers which reached two-thirds of UK educational staff, helping them recognize and address sextortion cases. Amid rising anxiety regarding child sexual abuse, recent data illustrates alarming statistics, with nearly 40,000 offences committed by children in 2023, firmly establishing the need for effective preventative measures and education.
In summary, the NCA’s campaign addresses the growing problem of sextortion targeting British teenage boys by Nigerian and other international crime gangs. By educating young males on the dangers and providing means to report extortion without fear, the NCA seeks to proactively diminish the risks associated with online sexual exploitation. Continued collaboration with international law enforcement enhances efforts to hold offenders accountable while informing parents about how to best support and protect their children.
Original Source: www.irishnews.com
