“The Internet has provided incredible opportunities by connecting humanity. As Jenn described, however, this has also connected us to darker aspects of the world now with much easier access to us.
“Being victim to this unknown in the worst way imaginable, Jenn and parents like her urge us to stay vigilant and to talk to our loved ones—especially teens—about such risks. Because while the FBI is continuing to break ground in trying these cases, increasing numbers of foreigners are being tempted into this lucrative business.
“Estimates are that up to one in five youths in some Nigerian cities may be involved in cybercrime. Successful ‘Yahoo Boys,” as they are known, gain celebrity-like status in their communities and flaunt their wealth. The culture operates in ‘Hustle Kingdoms,’ which are headquarters from which to operate and apprentice new scammers. The Ogoshi brothers, university students and children of a retired military officer, were themselves drawn into this glorified culture.
“Despite increased arrests and high-profile extraditions, Interpol reports from 2025 indicate a sharp rise in cybercrime across West Africa.
“For those victimized by online-based scams, contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center or IC3 at ic3.gov.”
Watch my story and interview with Jenn: