Authorities have arrested four West African men in connection with a “sextortion” scheme tied to the tragic death of a California teenager, as announced by the Justice Department.
In February 2022, 17-year-old Ryan Last took his own life after sharing intimate photos with someone he believed was a 20-year-old woman.
His mother, Pauline Stuart, shared her insights, saying, “He didn’t understand that these people were taking advantage of him, and he was scared about how we might react,” she told the Los Angeles Times.
Ryan’s death prompted a widespread investigation into scams that have affected “thousands of victims” across the US, Canada, the UK, France, Spain, and Italy, including minors, according to federal prosecutors.
Ryan Last was known to be a promising student, eager to attend Washington State University.
According to reports, the suspect, Alfred Cassi from Côte d’Ivoire, initially demanded $5,000 from Ryan while threatening to expose his photos. When Ryan expressed his inability to pay that amount, Cassi lowered it to $150. Even after sending the money, the harassment continued.
Before his tragic decision, Ryan left a note apologizing for the situation, his mother stated.
Cassi was apprehended by law enforcement in Koiboria on April 29.
Stuart expressed hope that this arrest might deter others who scam individuals in America from abroad.
Investigators have identified several accomplices aiding Cassi in laundering the money Ryan sent, including Oumarou Ouedraogo, who was arrested on April 25, and two additional suspects, Moussa Diaby and Oumar Cisse, who confessed their involvement in the crimes.
Another accomplice based in the US, also named Jonathan Cassi but unrelated to Alfred, was convicted in California in 2023 and received an 18-month prison sentence.
Despite the arrests, the DOJ noted that Côte d’Ivoire has yet to extradite its citizens involved in the case.
Stuart remains hopeful the arrests will serve as a warning to scammers operating internationally, expressing gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts yet recognizing the bittersweet outcome of their work.
“It doesn’t bring Ryan back, but I hope this raises awareness and makes these con artists uncomfortable,” she added.
