Report Sextortion Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast has become a major hotspot for sextortion, with international law enforcement linking the country to thousands of cases targeting victims worldwide, especially minors and young adults. Recent arrests in Abidjan highlight how organized networks operate from the region, often focusing on foreign victims in the US, Canada, and Europe, but Ivorians themselves are also at risk. The FBI and Homeland Security have reported a huge increase in sextortion attempts, particularly targeting boys aged 14 to 17 through social media platforms.

Scammers typically create fake profiles on social media or dating apps, posing as attractive young people to gain trust. Once a victim shares intimate images or videos, the scammer quickly turns to threats—demanding money to prevent the material from being sent to family, friends, or employers. Some groups use sophisticated tactics, including impersonating law enforcement, manipulating images with AI, or laundering money through accomplices, making the schemes harder to trace and stop.

There has been a 30% surge in sextortion-related reports in the past six months, with financial motives driving most cases. Offenders are increasingly using encrypted messaging apps to avoid detection and employing AI tools to create fake or manipulated images. Nearly half of all global financial sexual extortion reports have ties to Ivory Coast and Nigeria, and international operations have arrested several key suspects in Abidjan this year. Tragically, these crimes have led to suicides among young victims, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention and support.

Do not pay or negotiate with the scammer. Save all messages, images, and evidence of demands. Keep communication lines open, but avoid further engagement until you have professional guidance—this helps investigators trace the scammer’s digital footprint. Strengthen your privacy settings on all social media accounts, and do not delete any evidence. If you are a minor, seek support from a trusted adult or professional immediately.

Our Ivory Coast team combines deep local knowledge with international investigative resources and advanced technology. We have extensive experience working alongside law enforcement and understand the unique tactics used by West African cybercriminals. If you are facing sextortion or online blackmail in Ivory Coast or abroad, you can contact us for confidential help and expert support.