Dutch police have launched a public appeal for victims of a widespread international sextortion scheme to step forward, revealing that dozens of women and girls were manipulated into performing degrading acts on camera.
Investigators report that a 22-year-old Dutch man, operating under the alias "Turpien," posed as a teenage girl on social media to lure victims. After obtaining initial explicit photos, he allegedly escalated his demands, forcing victims into increasingly extreme and sadistic videos under threat of exposing their images to friends and family.
"I didn't think about the consequences. That you can hurt people," the suspect, identified only as Damian A., told the court.
The case came to light after several young women in the United States reported similar experiences, sparking a broader investigation. In one instance, a Dutch schoolgirl was given just ten minutes to send a nude photo or face having her images shared with classmates.
Authorities have identified over 50 victims across multiple countries including the Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, and Montenegro, but fear the actual number is significantly higher.
"We are very worried because what these girls have had to endure is so extreme and so intense," said Milou van der Kolk of the Rotterdam Police Sexual Crimes Team. "We know there are more girls but we don't know who they are."
The suspect was arrested in January 2025 and is currently on trial in Dordrecht, facing charges of online sexual assault and online rape. Prosecutors have requested a nine-year prison sentence plus mandatory psychological treatment, with a verdict expected in coming weeks.
Police describe how victims were sometimes forced to brand themselves with the phrase "Owned by Turpien" on their bodies, while the explicit content was allegedly sold on various platforms, creating a digital trail of abuse.
The Dutch campaign aims to identify additional victims, reassure survivors that the suspect is in custody, and encourage parents to discuss online safety with their children. Authorities emphasize that professional support is crucial for victims who often feel isolated and overwhelmed.
Sextortion cases have surged dramatically in the Netherlands, with approximately 3,000 incidents recorded in 2025 alone—a 46% increase from the previous year. Police warn that anyone who purchased or shared the illicit images should delete them immediately, as digital evidence trails remain traceable.