Sextortion Scams in Nigeria Linked to Teen Suicide in the West

A BBC investigation has uncovered a complex web of sextortion scams originating in Nigeria, preying on vulnerable teenagers in the US and Europe and, in some cases, driving them to suicide. The investigation sheds light on the tactics used by scammers, the organised nature of these operations, and the limited progress made by law enforcement and social media companies in combating the issue.

Tragic Loss Fuels Investigation

The investigation was triggered by the tragic suicide of Evan Boettler, a 16-year-old from Missouri, USA, who took his own life just 90 minutes after receiving blackmail threats from a cyber-scammer posing as a young girl on Snapchat. Evan's parents, Kari and Brad Boettler, shared their son's story, describing him as a bright and loving teenager. Their grief and frustration at the lack of progress in finding those responsible led them to contact the BBC.

Following the Digital Trail to Lagos

The investigation traced a crucial IP address linked to the scammer to multiple locations in Lagos, Nigeria. In Lagos, the investigation uncovered the world of "Yahoo Boys," young men who engage in online scams. One scammer, identified as Ola, explained the mechanics of sextortion, detailing how fake profiles are created and used to target teenagers. Ola admitted to feeling no remorse, citing his need for money and the perceived wealth of Western teenagers.

Organised Crime and Hustle Kingdoms

Beyond individual scammers like Ola, the investigation revealed the existence of organised sextortion networks, known as "Hustle Kingdoms." These operations involve gangs of young men working in coordinated teams, using shared resources and hierarchical structures to maximise profits. The lure of quick money leads to grooming young men into crime, creating a cycle that is difficult to escape.

The Role of Traditional Beliefs

The investigation also uncovered a disturbing trend of scammers turning to traditional healers and cyber-spiritualists to bless their scams and cast spells to make victims more compliant. This blend of modern technology and traditional beliefs highlights the complex cultural context in which these scams operate.

Social Media's Response Under Scrutiny

Reports of sextortion to the FBI in the US have more than doubled in the past three years, reaching 55,000 in 2024. In the UK, the National Crime Agency receives 110 reports each month. Social media companies, including Meta and Snapchat, say they are taking action, but critics argue they could do more. Brandon Guffey, a state representative from South Carolina whose son died by suicide after being targeted on Instagram, has been a vocal critic of Meta's inaction.

Meta claims to have invested billions in safety and security and removed thousands of sextortion accounts linked to Nigeria. However, Arturo Bejar, a former Meta engineering director, testified to US Congress that the company ignored repeated warnings about the dangers facing children on its platforms.

Expert Perspective: The Need for Systemic Change

Dr. Amina Abubakar, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Lagos, argues that a multi-faceted approach is needed to combat sextortion. "We need to address the root causes of poverty and unemployment that drive young men to engage in these scams," she says. "We also need to strengthen law enforcement capacity to investigate and prosecute these crimes, and social media companies need to take greater responsibility for protecting their users."

The Global Impact and the Search for Justice

The investigation highlights the global reach of these scams and the devastating impact they have on victims and their families. While some organisations like the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) offer resources for victims, the barriers to justice remain significant. In Evan Boettler's case, the investigation ultimately hit a dead end when the Nigerian service provider failed to retain user information.

A Call to Action

The findings of this BBC investigation serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for greater awareness, prevention, and intervention to combat sextortion. It requires a collaborative effort from law enforcement, social media companies, governments, and civil society organisations to protect vulnerable teenagers and hold perpetrators accountable.