Dutch Police Appeal for Victims in 'International Sextortion Campaign'
Widespread Abuse Uncovered
Dutch authorities are urging victims of a severe 'international sextortion campaign' to contact them, revealing that a 22-year-old Dutch man is on trial for allegedly blackmailing women and girls into creating highly explicit and sadistic images and videos. The suspect, identified as Damian A., is accused of posing online as a teenage girl to initiate contact and persuade victims to send intimate photos.
Once in possession of these images, Damian A. allegedly threatened to distribute them to friends, family, or classmates unless the victims complied with increasingly extreme demands, which included performing sex acts and other degrading acts. Prosecutors have charged him with online sexual assault and online rape, requesting a nine-year prison sentence and psychological treatment.
Global Reach and Ongoing Investigation
The abuse came to light after reports from young women in the United States prompted a wider investigation. So far, over 50 victims have been identified across various countries, including the Netherlands, the UK, the US, Canada, Germany, and Montenegro. However, police fear the actual number is significantly higher. Some victims were reportedly forced to hold signs or write the suspect's alias, 'Turpien', on their bodies, effectively branding them.
Police state that the images were subsequently sold on other platforms, exacerbating the victims' suffering. The Rotterdam Police Sexual Crimes Team expressed grave concern, highlighting the extreme nature of the coercion and the urgent need to identify more victims. The ongoing campaign aims to reassure survivors that the suspect is in custody, encourage parental discussions about online risks, and provide essential support resources.
Sextortion is a rapidly escalating crime; the Netherlands alone recorded approximately 3,000 cases in 2025, a 46% increase from the previous year. Police are also advising anyone who may have bought or shared these images to delete them immediately, warning of a 'digital paper trail'.
