SYDNEY, NSW, Australia - A major international operation targeting online sextortion has resulted in the arrest of 22 suspects in Nigeria, including two individuals connected to the death of a 16-year-old Australian boy in 2023.

The operation, codenamed Artemis, was led by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The joint effort dismantled a criminal network accused of extorting thousands of teenagers worldwide by coercing them into sending explicit images and then demanding money under threats of releasing the material.

The consequences of these crimes have been devastating. In the U.S., more than 20 teenage suicides since 2021 have been linked to sextortion. While many victims were in North America, the AFP confirmed the scheme also affected Australian children, with over 1,500 sextortion-related reports made to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) in the past financial year.

AFP investigators deployed to Nigeria played a crucial role in tracking digital evidence, identifying suspects, and assisting international partners. Following the arrests in early 2023, Australian authorities noted a sharp decline in sextortion reports—though they warn the threat remains.

"This operation sends a clear message: law enforcement will find you, no matter where you are," AFP Acting Commander Ben Moses, who heads the ACCCE sai Monday. "These crimes prey on vulnerable young people, pushing them into extreme distress. Thanks to global cooperation, we've seen real results, including a significant drop in cases."

Despite the progress, authorities urge vigilance, as offenders continue targeting minors online. The AFP works with state police to support victims, including mental health referrals and efforts to remove harmful content.

To combat the issue, the AFP's ThinkUKnow program offers an online safety kit for teens, while the ACCCE provides a dedicated sextortion help page with reporting tools.

The public is urged to report any information on child exploitation to the ACCCE or call 000 in emergencies. Support services are available for victims of online abuse.