Sextivision in Rhineland-Palatinate: Number of cases alarming!

The number of police-known cases of sexual blackmails in Rhineland-Palatinate has recently recorded a worrying increase. In the first half of 2024, 50 cases were registered in which the Internet and/or IT devices were used as a means of time. For comparison: In the same period of the previous year there were 43 cases, while only 40 cases were recorded in the first half of 2022.

The educational rate of these cases has also changed. Only 4 cases were informed in 2022, in 2023 there were already 8 and 2024 14 cases were successfully solved. However, a high number of unreported cases is assumed, since many victims of shame and fear do not file a complaint. The extortion method that is used in these cases is referred to as "sextivision", a suitcase word from "sex" and "extort".

background to sex location

perpetrators often get to know their victims through social media platforms or online dating portals. In video calls, those affected are asked to move out and perform sexual actions. The perpetrators make screenshots or video recordings and then blackmail the victims for money.

A similar picture shows itself in Saarland. There, the clearance rate for sex management cases was over 30 %last year. 5 out of a total of 15 known cases, 5 were informed. The previous year there were 19 cases, 7 of which were informed. A high number of unreported cases is also reported here, since the places of action are often not determined and many deeds are not recorded in police crime statistics.

perpetrators also use social media platforms and online dating portals to find their victims. Advice for those affected are not to transfer money, to cancel the contact and to file a criminal complaint, since the extortion usually does not end after a payment.