Authorities say Marina Bazzi, 26, spent months using adult websites to lure men and squeeze them for cash, until her arrest on Tuesday. Police in Berkley and the Macomb County Sheriff's Office report that she now faces charges of extortion, stalking, harassment, and computer-related crimes after a multi-jurisdiction investigation.
According to FOX 2 Detroit, two of the alleged victims live in Berkley, and the investigation stretched from April through October 2025. FOX 2 reports that officers executed a search warrant at Bazzi's Macomb Township home, with the Grand Rapids Police Department, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Service assisting in the operation.
How Police Say The Scheme Worked
Investigators allege Bazzi set up profiles on adult services websites to arrange encounters, then pressured or threatened men into sending her money, sometimes after initial payments or exchanges had already taken place. As reported by ClickOnDetroit, detectives say she had open warrants tied to similar scams across Metro Detroit.
Charges And Bond
Prosecutors have filed a felony extortion charge, along with counts of stalking, harassment and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Bond was set at $50,000 for the extortion charge and $10,000 for the stalking charge. Per FOX 2 Detroit, investigators expect additional charges in other jurisdictions as more complaints are reviewed.
Investigators Ask For More Victims To Come Forward
Authorities tell ClickOnDetroit they believe there may be more victims who have not yet spoken with law enforcement. Anyone who thinks they were targeted is urged to contact their local police department. Detectives are asking potential victims to hang on to payment records, messages and screenshots so investigators can use that digital paper trail as evidence.
Sextortion And Online Extortion: The Bigger Picture
Federal authorities say sextortion and financially driven sexual blackmail have surged in recent years, often starting on dating apps and adult websites before escalating into payment demands. The FBI’s guidance on sextortion lays out common tactics and urges victims to contact their local FBI field office or submit a report online. For more on what to watch for and how to respond, see the FBI's Sextortion page.
If You Think You Were Targeted
Officials advise potential victims to save all messages, screenshots and transaction records, avoid sending any more money and reach out to local law enforcement. You can also file a complaint through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3, which helps investigators connect related cases across different jurisdictions.
