Dutch police urge victims of ‘international sextortion campaign’ to come forward

Dutch law enforcement officials are calling on victims of a global sextortion ring to step forward, as investigators uncover a scheme where dozens of women and girls were compelled into degrading sexual acts on camera. The suspect, a 22-year-old Dutch man, operated under the disguise of a teenage girl online, luring victims onto popular platforms and convincing them to share explicit photos.

Once the images were obtained, the accused allegedly used them to coerce victims into producing more extreme content, such as self-sexual performances and acts involving toilet seats, all under the threat of public exposure. The suspect, known only as Damian A. due to privacy protections, confessed to the charges and was arrested in January 2025. He now faces trial in Dordrecht, charged with online sexual assault and online rape.

“I didn’t think about the consequences. That you can hurt people,” Dutch media reports quote the suspect as saying.

The abuse was exposed after multiple American women shared their experiences, sparking a larger investigation. In one Dutch case, a schoolgirl was told to send a naked photo within 10 minutes or risk her images being circulated among peers. Police describe the suspect’s tactics as turning victims’ lives into “a living hell.”

Some participants were forced to inscribe the phrase “Owned by Turpien” – the alias used against them – on their bodies, effectively branding them in the photos. These materials were then sold on other platforms, further amplifying the harm. Additionally, personal data was reportedly leaked, expanding the reach of the scheme.

Dutch authorities have identified over 50 victims across countries like the UK, US, Canada, Germany, and Montenegro, but believe the total number is significantly greater. “We are very worried because what these girls have had to endure is so extreme and so intense, and we know that there are more girls but we don’t know who they are,” said Milou van der Kolk of the Rotterdam Police Sexual Crimes Team.

A campaign for awareness and support

The initiative aims to locate additional victims, ensure survivors are aware the suspect is in custody, and encourage parents to discuss online image sharing risks with their children. Support resources are listed in posts, including contact numbers and links for assistance. Police emphasize that victims often feel isolated, experiencing severe stress and a sense of hopelessness, which makes professional help critical.

“Victims may feel alone in the world, suffer stress and see no way out,” law enforcement officials note. “Support can sometimes even be a matter of life and death due to overwhelming shame, fear, and pressure.” The case underscores how a single individual with a smartphone can use social media to trap girls in their rooms, transforming the internet into a site of manipulation and control, while adults remain unaware.

As sextortion becomes a rapidly growing crime, Dutch police recorded approximately 3,000 cases in 2025, a 46% increase from the previous year. They also appeal to anyone who shared or purchased the images to delete them immediately, warning of a “digital paper trail” that could implicate more individuals. If you’ve been the victim of online abuse, seek support through BBC Action Line.