"Financial sextortion has a far wider impact than just our country and our kids—it is a global crisis that demands everyone’s attention," said FBI Director Christopher Wray.

Financial sextortion can happen anywhere says the FBI in its version of the multi-national announcement, although it mainly occurs on the digital platforms where children are already spending their screen time, like social media and gaming websites, or video chat applications. On these platforms, predators often pose as girls of a similar age and use fake accounts to target young boys, deceiving them into sending explicit photos or videos. The predator then threatens to release the compromising materials unless the victim sends payment, however, in many cases, the predator will release the images anyway.

Even though financial sextortion is committed virtually, it can have serious effects offline. After the threats and aggression, victims may feel alone, ashamed, scared, and these feelings can lead to children resorting to self harm. Law enforcement around the world wants victims to know they are not in trouble, they are not alone, and there is life after pictures, says the FBI.

It has a list of key points:
- Remember, the predator is to blame, not your child or you.

- Report the predator’s account via the platform’s safety feature.

- Block the predator and do not delete the profile or messages because that can be helpful to law enforcement in identifying and stopping them.

- Ask for help from a trusted adult or law enforcement before sending money or more images. Cooperating rarely stops the blackmail and harassment, but law enforcement can.
- Trust that there is life after images.

Gord Sage, Chief Superintendent, Sensitive and Specialized Investigative Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police said "These crimes are real, they have serious implications, and young people need to understand that police are there to support them. These offenders prey on young people and this is not acceptable. International police are united in our fight against these crimes.”

Robert Jones, Chairman of the UK's Virtual Global Taskforce, National Crime Agency said "The strength of the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) comes from being able to share expertise and take rapid coordinated action against emerging global trends "

Chief Myron Demkiw, Police Chief, Toronto Police Service said “Online sexual offences do not have any borders."

A list of resources available in the countries referred to above is here:
https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/international-law-enforcement-a…