Teenage Boys Victimized by Nigerian Gangs in Emerging Sextortion Crisis
British teenage boys are increasingly being targeted by Nigerian crime gangs in sextortion plots, primarily through social media. Victims, predominantly boys aged 14 to 17, are manipulated into sharing explicit images before being blackmailed for money. The NCA is actively working to combat these crimes by promoting awareness and support for victims.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has issued a warning regarding Nigerian crime gangs exploiting British teenage boys through sextortion schemes. These gangs target boys as young as 14 primarily via Snapchat and Instagram, tricking them into sending explicit images and demanding payment afterward. Notably, while child sexual exploitation typically affects females, 90% of sextortion victims are male adolescents aged 14 to 17.
Victims are coerced into compliance with threats of sharing their images with friends, family, and classmates if they refuse to pay. Sextortion activities have been traced back to Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, and the Philippines. Marie Smith from the NCA described the abuse as “extremely disturbing.” The offenders predominantly operate from West Africa, using fake profiles of young women to lure victims into sending indecent images.
Once these images are received, the gangs typically pressure victims to make immediate payments, sometimes within minutes, or face exposure. This tactic has also ensnared adults up to 30 years old, with some victims tragically taking their own lives due to the fear of exposure. The NCA emphasizes not paying the blackmailers, urging victims instead to remain calm and reach out for help.
Efforts are underway to combat this issue internationally, with the NCA collaborating with law enforcement in Nigeria to tackle the criminal organizations. “Nothing is off the cards and we hope to hold these criminals accountable,” Smith stated. Alex Murray, NCA director, highlighted the emotional damage sextortion inflicts on victims and the vital role of their awareness campaign, which aims to educate young boys and reduce the power these criminals wield.
Statistics indicate an alarming rise in sextortion attempts, as evidenced by the NCA’s report of 380 sextortion cases in 2024 alone. Will Gardner, CEO of Childnet, noted the increase in financial sextortion cases among teenagers, describing a common strategy where a perpetrator engages a victim in flirtation that escalates to photo exchanges. The moment a victim shares an image, they are threatened with exposure unless payment is rendered, constituting financial exploitation by organized criminal groups.
The rising trend of sextortion schemes targeting British teenage boys by Nigerian crime gangs poses significant risks. The alarming statistic that 90% of sextortion victims are boys highlights a critical area of concern for parents and guardians. The NCA’s efforts to raise awareness and educate potential victims on how to respond remain crucial in combating this issue.
Original Source: www.lbc.co.uk
