US Justice: Nigerian Brothers Sentenced for Sextortion Resulting in Teen’s Death
In the United States, the trial in the case of sexual exploitation and blackmail has ended with more than 100 people,including 11 minors, involved. Nigerian citizens Samuel and Samson Sherei were sentenced to 17.5 years in prison and 5 years under supervision for their participation in an international network of extortionists operating on the Internet. Their actions led to the tragic death of a 17-year-old schoolboy from Michigan, who took his own life after falling victim to extortion.
According to data from the US Department of Justice, the brothers used hacked social media accounts to create fake profiles and lure young girls into sending intimate photographs. Once they obtained these materials, the criminals would then blackmail their victims by threatening to distribute the images to their families and friends if they did not pay up. Tragically, one teenager could not handle the pressure and took his own life.
The prosecutors emphasized the importance of caution when interacting online, as criminal networks often disguise themselves as harmless contacts. They advised both parents and adolescents to be vigilant and avoid sharing personal information with strangers.
An investigation revealed that at least 11 minors had fallen victim to this scheme. Authorities are looking into other cases of deaths related to similar extortion schemes in the western district of Michigan.
The Sherei brothers were extradited from Nigeria in August 2023 and subsequently pleaded guilty. Another individual implicated in the case, Ezekiel Robert, is currently contesting extradition in a Nigerian court. Additionally, in August 2023, five US citizens suspected of money laundering associated with this network were charged.