Jan 28 2025

Graham Reacts to Extradition in 'Sextortion' Scheme Resulting in the Death of a South Carolina Teen

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the U.S. Attorney for South Carolina announced that a Nigerian man has been extradited to the United States after he was charged in a sextortion scheme that resulted in the suicide of 17-year-old Gavin Guffey from Rock Hill.

“I am very pleased that the Nigerian man charged with ‘sextorting’ Gavin Guffey has been extradited back to the United States to stand trial. Gavin tragically committed suicide as a result of this sextortion scheme, and I’m grateful to the federal and state law enforcement agencies who tracked down the perpetrator of this terrible crime.

“I met with Gavin’s dad, South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey, last year when the Senate Judiciary Committee questioned Big Tech CEOs on what they are doing to protect children online. I know Brandon and his entire family are equally pleased that the alleged perpetrator will face justice.

“Cases like this where young people are lured into taking explicit photos, only to be extorted later, have to be dealt with. That is why I am adamant that social media companies that allow this behavior to exist be subject to liability. Right now, they aren’t.

“The number of suicides related to this issue is heartbreaking.

“It is long past time for Congress to stand up to these social media companies and insist they do better. I will not relent.”

Background:

  • Graham met with Gavin’s dad, South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey, in January 2024. Graham questioned the CEOs of four social media companies at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that day about Gavin’s case.
  • The Nigerian man, Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal, was indicted by a federal grand jury in South Carolina on the following charges:
    • Child exploitation resulting in death
    • Production and distribution of child sexual abuse material
    • Coercion and enticement of a minor
    • Cyberstalking resulting in death
    • Interstate threats with intent to extort
  • Press release from the U.S. Attorney for South Carolina’s office

####