A Canadian man was sentenced to 33 years in federal prison after operating a massive online sextortion scheme that targeted at least 145 children across the United States. Prosecutors said the attacker used fake identities on social media platforms to manipulate minors into sharing explicit material during online chats and video calls.
US authorities described the case as one of the FBI’s largest child sextortion investigations. Investigators said several victims were very young children, making the abuse especially severe.
Authorities Uncovered a Years-Long Sextortion Scheme
According to the US Department of Justice, 40-year-old Ramanan Pathmanathan from Toronto posed online as a teenage boy while contacting children through social media and messaging platforms.
Investigators said the scheme operated between 2014 and 2021. During conversations with victims, the attacker persuaded children to participate in explicit video chats, which he secretly recorded and stored.
Prosecutors said the attacker threatened victims who tried to stop communicating or block his accounts. He allegedly used screenshots of social media friend lists and follower lists to pressure children into continuing the abuse.
Court documents also revealed that the attacker demanded increasingly abusive acts from victims during the exploitation process.
FBI Investigated One of Its Largest Sextortion Cases
The FBI said investigators identified at least 145 victims across the United States during the investigation. Authorities arrested Pathmanathan in Canada in 2021 after uncovering evidence linked to the online abuse operation.
Investigators reportedly discovered that the attacker was still actively exploiting victims shortly before his arrest.
The defendant previously received a prison sentence in Canada for related crimes. US prosecutors confirmed that the new 33-year federal sentence will run consecutively to the Canadian prison term.
The court also ordered supervised release and mandatory sex offender registration after incarceration.
Sextortion Threats Continue Growing Online
Child safety experts warned that sextortion cases involving minors continue increasing across social media and messaging platforms. Attackers often create fake identities and manipulate victims emotionally before using threats and intimidation tactics.
Researchers said many victims initially believe they are speaking with someone close to their own age. Once attackers obtain explicit material, they often threaten to distribute it publicly or send it to family members and friends.
Cybersecurity and child safety organizations warned that sextortion schemes can escalate quickly and cause severe emotional trauma for victims.
Social Media Platforms Remain Central to Sextortion Cases
Investigators said social media platforms continue playing a major role in sextortion operations because attackers can contact large numbers of children anonymously through fake accounts.
Security experts encouraged families to discuss online safety openly and monitor suspicious interactions involving unknown users.
Researchers recommended several precautions, including:
- Limiting contact with unknown accounts
- Keeping social media profiles private
- Reporting suspicious messages immediately
- Avoiding private conversations with strangers
- Educating children about online coercion tactics
Authorities also urged victims and families to contact law enforcement immediately instead of responding to threats or demands.
Conclusion
The sextortionist sentenced to 33 years operated a large-scale online abuse scheme that targeted at least 145 children across the United States. Prosecutors said the attacker used fake identities, manipulation tactics, and threats to exploit victims over several years.
Authorities warned that sextortion remains a growing online threat affecting children worldwide. Investigators and child safety experts continue urging families to remain alert to suspicious online interactions and fake social media profiles.
0 responses to “Sextortionist Sentenced to 33 Years for Targeting 145 Children”