Argentine national Ariel Boiteux has been sentenced to two years in prison for masterminding an international extortion scheme targeting individuals seeking romantic assistance through witchcraft and magic spells.
Court documents reveal that Boiteux, operating under the guise of a business named Amarres Inmediatos, extorted clients by directing them to perform sexually explicit rituals, which he threatened to post online unless substantial payments were made. U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer labeled the scheme as “despicable,” emphasizing Boiteux’s exploitation of vulnerable hearts for personal gain.
“This defendant used the vulnerability of the lovelorn to humiliate and extort them, and for that he will pay a price,” Brewer said.
David Shaw, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego, praised the cybercrime experts involved in the investigation. “This investigation underscores our commitment to combat criminal activity across all borders, including the internet,” Shaw stated.
According to Boiteux’s plea agreement, he and his associates advertised their services on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and MercadoLibre, promising love spells that would improve clients’ romantic lives. The rituals involved purchasing specific items, drinking alcohol, and performing sexual acts while recording the ritual for Boiteux and his team.
In February 2017, Boiteux threatened a well-connected public figure with exposure unless she paid over $250,000. He was apprehended in July 2018 after attempting to collect another payment from an undercover agent through Western Union, leading to his extradition to San Diego. Ariel Boiteux’s case number is 18-CR-2025-H.
Summary of Charges: Foreign Transmission of an Extortionate Threat – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 875
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Cybercrime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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