South Carolina Inmates Created a ‘Sextortion Ring’ to Bilk $560,000 From U.S. Troops

While serving time in a South Carolina prison, several inmates created an elaborate online “sextortion ring” that preyed on hundreds of U.S. servicemembers and manipulated them into sending money and nude photos of themselves, according to federal prosecutors.

The scheme was uncovered after a nearly two-year investigation, called “Operation Surprise Party,” launched by U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service and aided by other government partners.