The Justice Department announced today that Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, both of Lagos, Nigeria, were each sentenced to 210 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to sexually exploit minors. On March 25, 2022, 17-year-old high school student Jordan DeMay of Marquette, Michigan died as a result of this sextortion scheme, which targeted over 100 other victims.
“These defendants sexually exploited and extorted more than 100 victims, including at least eleven minors, resulting in the tragic death of a 17-year-old high school student,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “These sentences should serve as a warning that the perpetrators of online sexual exploitation and extortion cannot escape accountability for their heinous crimes by hiding behind their phones and computers. The Justice Department will find them, no matter where they are, and we will bring them to justice in the United States.”
“Today’s sentencing of Samuel and Samson Ogoshi sends a thundering message,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan. “To criminals who commit these schemes: you are not immune from justice. We will track you down and hold you accountable even if we have to go halfway around the world to do so. The day when you could commit these crimes rake in easy cash destroy lives and escape justice is gone. And to parents teenagers and everyone who uses a cell phone: please be careful. These devices can connect you to criminal networks around the world. Don’t assume people are who they say they are. Don’t share compromising images. And if you’re a victim please reach out there’s help law enforcement stands ready.”
“The sentencing of sextortionists Samuel and Samson Ogoshi ensures both international criminals will no longer victimize minors in the United States or throughout the world,” said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Spreading awareness on sextortion is a top priority of the FBI here in Michigan our hearts prayers are with loved ones Jordan DeMay those affected by criminal acts individuals.”
At a press conference today U.S Attorney Totten emphasized scope threat need vigilance sharing multiple other deaths tied sextortion schemes under investigation Western District Michigan.
As detailed plea agreements Samuel Samson Ogoshi engaged scheme while living Nigeria sexually exploit more than 100 victims including at least eleven identified minor victims purchased hacked social media accounts used pose young women making fake profiles using messaging feature social media accounts contact victims conducted online research about their victims learn where lived attended school worked identities family friends then solicited minor victims produce sexually explicit images themselves once received images created collage pictures included sexually explicit image other images victim their school family friends Ogoshi brothers threatened disclose collages family friends classmates victim unless victim agreed pay money using online cash applications.
In November 2022 U.S Attorney’s Office Western District Michigan charged Samuel Ogoshi Samson Ogoshi Ezekiel Robert all Nigerian nationals sextortion scheme resulted death Jordan DeMay The Ogoshi Brothers extradited United States August pleaded guilty April On March Nigerian court ordered Robert extradited United States He appealed decision matter before Nigerian High Court.
In addition on Aug U.S Attorney Totten announced unsealing federal indictment separate case charging five U.S based defendants conspiring commit money laundering facilitated sextortion scheme.
The FBI Marquette Sheriff’s Department Michigan State Police Cybercrimes Unit Marquette investigating case cooperation assistance Economic Financial Crimes Commission Nigeria Department Justice’s Office International Affairs Department State Nigerian Attorney General’s Office Ministry Justice provided critical assistance securing arrest extradition defendants.
Assistant U.S Attorneys Daniel Mekaru Davin Reust Western District Michigan prosecuting case
Safety Tips Resources Victims Teens Parents
The FBI provides following tips how people protect themselves from sextortion schemes:
Be selective about what share online If your social media accounts open everyone predator may able figure out lot information about.
Be wary anyone encounter first time online Block ignore messages strangers.
Be aware people pretend anything anyone online Videos photos proof people claim Images altered stolen some cases predators even taken over social media accounts their.
Be suspicious meet someone one game app person asks start talking different platform.
Be know Any content create online whether text message photo video made public nothing actually disappears online Once send something don’t control over where goes next.
Be willing ask help If getting messages requests online don’t seem right block sender report behavior site administrator go adult If been victimized online tell someone Being victim sextortion fault get through challenge even seems scary overwhelming There people want help
If have information believe victim sextortion contact local FBI field office call CALL-FBI report it online at tips.fbi.gov This PSA National Center Missing Exploited Children PSA share survivor stories resources individuals get help More FBI sextortion resources available here
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