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(CNN Spanish) - After a series of raids, authorities in Paraguay dismantled this Thursday the largest structure of sexual extortion, according to Commissioner Nimio Cardozo, head of the Anti-kidnapping department of the National Police.
As explained in radio statements, the criminal structure was organized by three people from a penitentiary in the department of Itapúa, with the logistical support of five other people who were detained outside the prison. The modus operandi of this organization was based on the fact that they first identified possible victims through social networks with whom, after establishing a relationship of trust, they exchanged intimate messages and photos.
Later, the extortionists elaborated a false story in which an alleged mother warned them that they were actually exchanging messages with minors. Then, there they falsified police complaints and sent them to the contacts posing as prosecutors, judges and even journalists, to demand that they send money in exchange for not making the talks public.
According to Cardozo, until Wednesday they had received more than 80 complaints related to this structure.
Prosecutor Federico Delfino also said in radio statements that in recent months the network has profited from more than US $ 30,000 and that complaints have multiplied in this period of the coronavirus pandemic.
CNN does not know if the detainees have legal representation.
