In a rarity, the US has extradited two Nigerians for tricking numerous young men, including teenagers, into sending them nudes for the goal of blackmail.
The Justice Department on Sunday announced the extradition of 22-year-old Samuel Ogoshi and 20-year-old Samson Ogoshi, both of whom were indicted in May for targeting more than 100 people. Their “sextortion” schemes allegedly led to the suicide of 17-year-old Michigan teen Jordan DeMay, who was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in March 2022.
The scam involved purchasing hacked social media accounts and using them to pose as young women. According to prosecutors, Samuel Ogoshi used the Instagram handle “dani.robertts” to communicate with DeMay and convince him to send a nude of himself. Once the nude was received, the suspect blackmailed DeMay, demanding $1,000 in payment or else the compromising photo would be circulated online.
“I have screenshot all ur followers and tags can send this nudes to everyone and also send your nudes to your Family and friends Until it goes viral,” Samuel Ogoshi allegedly messaged to DeMay at one point through the Instagram account.
The second suspect, Samson Ogoshi, also blackmailed a separate 21-year-old victim in Wisconsin, which culminated in him in using the words: “I will make u commit suicide.”
The extradition occurs as the US has noticed a spike in sextortion schemes targeting thousands of minors. In some cases, the culprits are even using AI-generated deepfakes to create nudes of their victims. As a result, US prosecutors are using the extradition to warn the public.
“To those who commit these crimes: we will pursue you around the world. And to those who are victims: please know we stand ready to help you,” said US Attorney Mark Totten of the Western District of Michigan.
In addition, the US is seeking the extradition of a third suspect, 19-year-old Ezekiel Ejehem Robert, who is also based in Nigeria. All three suspects face decades in prison for coercing minors into producing child pornography and circulating it. Samuel Ogoshi also faces a maximum charge of life in prison for causing the death of DeMay.
For more tips on preventing sextortion schemes, you can check out the FBI’s website.