Overview

• British boys aged 14-17 are the primary targets of sextortion, with 90% of victims being male, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA).
• Perpetrators, often based in Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines, use fake profiles to coerce victims into sharing explicit images and then demand money under threat of exposure.
• The NCA's new campaign focuses on raising awareness among boys aged 15-17 through platforms like Instagram, Reddit, and Snapchat, emphasizing that victims are not to blame.
• Research reveals that 74% of boys surveyed did not understand sextortion, and 73% were unaware of how to report the crime, highlighting the need for education.
• The NCA is collaborating with Nigerian law enforcement to address the international roots of sextortion gangs and has issued updated guidance for parents and carers to help protect children.