MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is providing resources for online safety as sextortion cases increase throughout the country, including in Wisconsin. Attorney General Josh Kaul emphasized the importance of protecting children online, stating, "We must keep our kids safe from online dangers."
In a recent sextortion case investigated by the Wisconsin DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation, a La Crosse man was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Kaul reaffirmed the department's dedication, saying, "The Wisconsin Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable those who use the internet to commit crimes against children."
Sextortion, a form of child sexual exploitation, involves threats or blackmail aimed at children, often with the intention of coercing them into providing sexual content, engaging in sexual activities, or giving money. The Wisconsin ICAC Task Force has seen a rise in cybertips related to sextortion, with 45 cases reported so far this year compared to 176 in 2023.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) highlighted an alarming increase in financial sextortion cases, particularly targeting teenage boys. Most suspects in these cases are traced back to locations in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and the Philippines. To combat this trend, NCMEC launched an interactive online experience to raise awareness about financial sextortion, urging parents and caregivers to stay vigilant.
To address the escalating threat of sextortion, the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force provides a range of services, including investigating and prosecuting internet crimes, offering victim services, and conducting internet safety education for parents and educators. For those with information on potential child exploitation, NCMEC encourages reporting through their online platform or by phone.
Parents, caregivers, and community members can access internet safety tips from the ICAC Task Force to stay informed and protect children from online risks.