By researching their victims’ personal details, including their residences, schools, workplaces, and social circles, the Ogoshi brothers were able to coerce minors into sending sexually explicit images. They then used these images to create threatening collages, which combined the explicit content with pictures of the victims' schools, families, and friends.
The Justice Department announced today that Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and Samson Ogoshi, 21, both from Lagos, Nigeria, have been sentenced to 210 months in prison each, followed by five years of supervised release. Their sentencing is a result of their involvement in a conspiracy to sexually exploit minors, which tragically led to the death of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay from Marquette, Michigan, on March 25, 2022. The sextortion scheme targeted over 100 victims.
During a press conference, U.S. Attorney Totten highlighted the severity of the threat posed by sextortion schemes and revealed ongoing investigations into additional deaths linked to such schemes in the Western District of Michigan.
“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.
According to the plea agreements filed by the Ogoshi brothers, they orchestrated their exploitation scheme while residing in Nigeria. They targeted over 100 victims, including at least 11 minors, by purchasing hacked social media accounts. Using these accounts, they created fake profiles posing as young women and contacted victims through messaging platforms.
By researching their victims’ personal details, including their residences, schools, workplaces, and social circles, the Ogoshi brothers were able to coerce minors into sending sexually explicit images. They then used these images to create threatening collages, which combined the explicit content with pictures of the victims' schools, families, and friends. They demanded payment through online cash applications, threatening to release the collages if the victims did not comply.
“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 half-way 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, 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, and law enforcement stands ready, "said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan.
In November 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan charged Samuel and Samson Ogoshi, along with Ezekiel Robert, another Nigerian national, in connection with the scheme that led to Jordan DeMay’s death. The Ogoshi brothers were extradited to the United States in August 2023 and entered guilty pleas in April. Meanwhile, a Nigerian court has ordered Ezekiel Robert’s extradition, but he has appealed the decision, and the case is currently under review by the Nigerian High Court.
“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 and prayers are with the loved ones of Jordan DeMay and those affected by the criminal acts of these individuals.”
Additionally, on August 2, U.S. Attorney Totten announced the unsealing of a federal indictment in a separate case involving five U.S.-based defendants accused of conspiring to commit money laundering to support the sextortion scheme.
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