WA Police allege that a group of 11 adults, including four registered child sex offenders, extorted a network of 140 teenagers.

In April 2020, officers from the Sex Offender Management Squad focused on ‘Reportable Offenders’ - convicted sex offenders who have to report their movements to police - meeting their obligations. Breaching these obligations can lead to imprisonment.

It was discovered that the group had made contact via Facebook and Instagram with 140 teenagers aged between 13 and 19. It is alleged one of the offenders physically met with a victim.

Of the 140 teens, 23 are alleged to have been the victims of sexual offending. WA police have laid more than 200 charges on the adults, who are aged between 18 and 41. A third of the charges are of a sexual nature.

The investigations highlight the importance of cyber safety and for parents to be aware of who their children are talking to online.