• The FBI forecasts a “explosion” in child sextortion scams.
• The extortion technique was responsible for at least 12 deaths in the US this year.
• Many projects started in West Africa, notably Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

FBI is predicting a “explosion” in the number of incidents when young boys and teenagers are duped into submitting pornographic images online.

The extortion technique, which it said was responsible for at least 12 deaths in the US this year, had sharply increased, the report claimed.

In 2022, the FBI reported receiving more than 7,000 reports of sextortion.

A top official expressed concern that “this is a degree of harassment we haven’t seen recently.”

The FBI claimed that many of the schemes began outside of the US, in nations in West Africa like Nigeria and the Ivory Coast.

It advised parents to inform their children of the schemes and to exercise vigilance throughout the holiday season.

“The FBI has seen a horrific increase in reports of financial sextortion schemes targeting minor boys – and the fact is that the many victims who are afraid to come forward are not even included in those numbers,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said.

“Victims may feel like there is no way out – it is up to all of us to reassure them that they are not in trouble, there is hope, and they are not alone,” he added.

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