Man's Inside Help Facilitates Global Sextortion Ring

GEORGIA MAN ADMITS AIDING NIGERIAN CON-MEN IN SEXTORTION SCHEME

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - A 32-year-old Georgia man has pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a group of Nigerian con-men in a sextortion scheme that targeted unsuspecting victims, mostly women, in the United States and abroad.

According to court documents, the man, identified as Charles Johnson, helped the Nigerian gang members to create fake social media profiles and email accounts, which they used to trick their victims into sending explicit photos and videos.

The scheme, which was uncovered by law enforcement in 2020, was said to have netted the con-men millions of dollars in profits. The victims, who were mostly women, were targeted through fake social media profiles and email accounts, which were designed to appear as if they were from attractive men or women.

Johnson, who was arrested in 2020, faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled for later this year.

The Nigerian con-men, who were also arrested, are facing similar charges and are expected to be sentenced later this year.

The case highlights the growing threat of sextortion, which is a form of online harassment that involves the use of technology to coerce or manipulate people into sending explicit photos or videos.

Sextortion is a serious crime that can have severe consequences for the victims, including emotional distress, financial loss, and even physical harm. Law enforcement agencies are urging people to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

In a statement, the FBI said: "The FBI takes allegations of sextortion very seriously and is committed to bringing those responsible to justice. We urge anyone who has been a victim of sextortion to come forward and report the incident to the authorities."