SEXTORTION SCAMS
📍 India: Bihar-Based Mastermind Arrested in Nagpur Case
Cyber police in Nagpur recently arrested 20-year-old Sundarkumar Singh from Purnia, Bihar, for orchestrating a sextortion scam that defrauded a 25-year-old man of approximately ₹50 lakh (~US $60 000). The victim connected with someone posing as a female student via WhatsApp in January 2025. After exchanging explicit images, he was blackmailed into transferring large sums over weeks. Upon complaint, investigators traced the case, leading to Singh’s arrest. Authorities are examining his devices and financial records to identify any accomplices or additional victims.
Key Takeaways:
⚠️ Victim trust is built gradually via social media messaging.
⚠️ The fear of public exposure—rather than embarrassment—is a powerful extortion tool.
Delhi: Racket Exploiting Fake SIMs & Synthetic Bank Accounts
In a separate case, Delhi Police uncovered a large sextortion operation that used fake SIM cards and synthetic bank accounts to target over 100 victims—including loan and telecom fraud alongside sextortion. Two key suspects, Manish alias Himanshu (SIM supplier) and Vipin Kumar (account creator), were arrested under “Operation Cyber Shield.” Their network generated fraudulent accounts to orchestrate calls, collect extortion payments, and exploit victims across various cybercrime modes.
Australia & USA: AI-Driven Sextortion and Minors
📌 Australia: A Central Coast man was arrested in late May 2025 for using AI-manipulated intimate images to extort three women in their 20s. Police seized his devices, and he faces multiple charges, including threatening to distribute manipulated images for ransom.
📌 Global Operation Artemis: A major law-enforcement coalition led by the FBI, Australian Federal Police (AFP), Canada’s RCMP, and Nigeria’s EFCC arrested 22 suspects in Nigeria linked to international sextortion rings targeting minors. The operation followed multiple teen suicides since 2021, including at least 20 in the U.S. It dismantled a major network and saw notable arrests in Nigeria in April 2025.
Why These Arrests Matter
🟢 Scammers use layered tactics: Raw social engineering, fake profiles, AI-generated content, and synthetic infrastructure show the increasing sophistication of extortionists.
🟢 International coordination is essential: Operation Artemis underscores how cybercrime knows no borders—and how global agencies can dismantle networks.
🟢 Mental health at stake: Victims, particularly minors, suffer immense psychological distress—sometimes leading to tragic outcomes like suicide.
🟢 Tech platforms respond: Companies like Meta have removed tens of thousands of scam-related accounts, but scammers adapt fast.
What Authorities Recommend
🟢 Never share intimate content with strangers online.
🟢 Report any blackmail threats to cybercrime units immediately.
🟢 Seek help and counselling—professional support can mitigate shame and fear.
🟢 Platforms can support survivors—Meta has launched blurred-image and block/report features for sextortion prevention.
REPORT SEXTORTION HERE.
Looking Forward
These arrests show significant progress—but sextortion remains evolving and persistent. Scammers leverage AI, encrypted networks, and cross-border schemes. Continued vigilance, education, and strong legal enforcement are critical to protect all users—especially vulnerable individuals.