FBI commends EFCC for role in international sextortion crackdown

Crime Diary, International

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for their cooperation in Operation Artemis, an international law enforcement effort targeting financially motivated sextortion networks that prey on minors.

The commendation was conveyed in a letter signed by FBI Director Kash Patel, who praised the EFCC for its assistance in the investigation, arrest and extradition of two Nigerian suspects facing federal charges in the United States.

In the letter addressed to Olukoyede, Patel acknowledged the commission’s contribution to the operation.

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“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has played a vital role in Operation Artemis, a joint effort focused on disrupting financially motivated sextortion rings targeting juveniles,” he said.

Patel said the EFCC, under Olukoyede’s leadership, designated personnel to support the investigations and facilitate the transfer of suspects from Nigeria to the United States to face prosecution.

He specifically commended the commission for apprehending Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudashiru Afeez Olawale, who were indicted in the United States in 2023 over allegations relating to the sexual exploitation and extortion of minors.

The two suspects were extradited to the United States in August 2026, with the EFCC facilitating the process following investigations and extradition proceedings.

According to the FBI, the suspects face federal charges relating to sexual exploitation involving minors whose deaths were linked to the alleged schemes.

Patel said the successful outcome of the cases would not have been possible without the EFCC’s assistance and commitment to international law enforcement cooperation.

“The successful outcome of these cases would not have been possible without your assistance and dedication to international law enforcement collaboration,” he said.

The FBI director also expressed appreciation to Olukoyede and the commission for their commitment to justice and continued cooperation, while expressing optimism about strengthening the partnership between both agencies.

“Please accept my sincere appreciation for your commitment to justice and steadfast cooperation. I look forward to the continued partnership with the EFCC,” Patel said.

The extradition of Adekunle and Olawale followed FBI investigations into separate sextortion schemes targeting male minors in the United States.

The investigations linked the alleged activities to two teenage victims who died by suicide after reportedly being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.

Sextortion involves threatening to release a person’s intimate images or other sexual material unless the victim complies with demands, which may include money or additional explicit content. Authorities have warned that such schemes can cause severe psychological distress, particularly among young victims.

The EFCC’s cooperation with the FBI underscores the role of international law enforcement partnerships in investigating cybercrime and pursuing suspects across national borders.