Police authorities in Aurora, Colorado, are investigating multiple reports of children being targeted for sextortion, the threat of releasing sexually explicit images.
According to the Aurora Police Department, scammers involved in sextortion often threaten to post explicit material online unless they receive money from the targeted individual. Sextortion can also involve sharing explicit images with others for financial gain.
Aurora's plan was first reported to school resource officers on January 16, 2024.
Since receiving this information, additional reports related to the initial investigation have been received from students and stakeholders at Aurora Hill Middle School and Mrachek Middle School, Rangeview High School, Smoky Hill High School, Gateway High School, Vista Peak High School, Cherokee Trail High School, and Overland High School. ing.
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Colorado authorities are investigating a sextortion scam targeting students at at least eight schools. (St. Petersburg)
According to police, the students involved in six of the incidents claimed they were the direct targets of the sextortion scheme after being contacted by the suspects on Instagram.
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Police said some students were approached by the suspect on Instagram. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
Investigators say dozens of other victims received unsolicited invitations and were paid to join their Instagram “close friends list,” where they could view sexually explicit material. I learned.
Instagram's Close Friends list allows users to view the account owner's private content.
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Detectives are working with Cherry Creek School District and Aurora Public Schools officials to identify additional victims.
Investigators have also contacted Mehta, who said police are working to identify the owner of the suspect's profile and determine the legitimacy of the photos and videos shared.
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Police say the investigation is ongoing and encourage anyone with information about the case to contact detectives at 303-627-3100. Police are asking callers to reference case number AP2024-10276.
