West Uusimaa Police Investigate Online Extortion of Minors Using Sexual Images
West Uusimaa Police are investigating at least two cases in which boys under the age of 15 have been extorted online using sexually suggestive images. Both incidents involve a suspect operating under a pseudonym who initiated contact with the victims on social media before moving the conversation to another platform.
In one case, the suspect pressured a boy to send explicit images, later demanding money to prevent their distribution. The victim sent a small sum, but the extortionist continued to demand more. The boy eventually confided in a close contact, who filed a police report (Yle; Iltalehti).
A second, similar case from early summer is also under investigation, with another boy under 15 as the victim. Both cases are being treated as sexual molestation of a child and extortion (Iltalehti).
Cases Part of a Broader Trend
Police describe these incidents as part of a recurring pattern in the West Uusimaa region. Yle reports that perpetrators often attempt to build trust with children over time, sometimes framing requests for images as a "challenge" before escalating to extortion.
Authorities urge guardians to recognize the risks of online criminal activity targeting minors. The Police Board has issued guidelines to help parents prevent online-mediated sexual violence against children (Yle; Iltalehti).