THE Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a complaint accusing Digital Forensics Corporation, its owner Dmitry Belkin, and affiliated firms of defrauding people targeted by sextortion. The agency says victims paid at least $60 million for so-called “Phase 1” assistance—ranging from $1,499 to $20,000—that promised to track down the extortionists, trace their location, produce an investigative report, and report to law enforcement, but in many cases did not deliver. A court has temporarily halted the defendants’ activities as the case proceeds.
According to the FTC, the company manipulated victims by changing account settings to block the sextortionist, fabricating chat transcripts, and presenting pre-saved coordinates—often claiming the location was in Nigeria or the Philippines. After the initial payment, victims were pressed to buy “Phase 2” services for ongoing monitoring and further aid, but the promises were reportedly not fulfilled.
The FTC also notes that the company discouraged victims from blocking their blackmailers, which would run counter to law enforcement and expert guidance. The allegations have not yet been determined by the court. Victims are advised to preserve all threat communications, block and report the offender, and contact local police or the FBI for assistance; those who paid can file with the FTC.