sextortion
Photo source: Flickr
‘Sextortionist’ sentenced to effective two years in prison
The man posed as a female Italian model on an online dating site and tricked an unsuspecting man into send him nude photographs
sextortion
Photo source: Flickr
Chinedu Jonathan Madueke, a 54-year-old man has been handed a seven-year sentence for fraud and extortion by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court. Five years of his sentence is suspended on condition that he is not convicted for similar charges during that period.
Madueke was nabbed by the Hawks at the OR Tambo International Airport on 14 May for his involvement in an online dating scam. According to the Hawks, he went on an online dating site, posing as a female Italian model named ‘Ruth’, and started an online relationship with an unsuspecting man. He soon managed to convince the man to send him nude videos and photographs of himself.
ONLINE DATING SCAMMER EXTORTS R12 000 FROM VICTIM
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says Chinedu Jonathan Madueke soon umasked himself to the man, whose identity has been withheld and demanded money, in exchange for not leaking his nudes. This is what is now referred to as sextortion: when someone threatens to distribute your private material if you don’t give them money.
A warrant for Madueke’s arrest was issued by the authorities, who then circulated him on the local and international boarder movement control system, which is why they were able to flag him when he tried to leave South Africa for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says the scammer pleaded guilty to extorting 800 US dollars from the man (more than R12 400) and even gave him his money back.
“Regional Court Prosecutor, Mr. Lufuno Godfrey Maphiri argued that the accused misrepresented himself, and took advantage of the complainant’s feelings. He asked the court to send a strong message that the online scamming of innocent and unsuspecting individuals will not be tolerated. The complainant was satisfied that Madueka pleaded guilty and paid back the money he extorted from him”
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane
The NPA has further commended the parties which worked on the case and exposing the sextortionist, including the investigator, Lieutenant Colonel Oscar William Mopedi from the South African Police Service’s Commercial Crimes Unit.
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