Brazilian authorities detain six teens in ‘digital slavery’ investigation

Six adolescents were detained during the second phase of Operation Lívia, suspected of involvement in a group that induced a 13-year-old girl to engage in self-harm and commit suicide during a live stream on Discord.

Investigations conducted by the Civil Police of Mato Grosso do Sul, with support from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP), indicate that some of the teenagers were involved in recruiting and blackmailing vulnerable victims. This practice, referred to as ‘digital slavery,’ involves using coercion and control in virtual environments to pressure victims into violence or self-harm.

The operation included coordinated efforts from civil police forces in Bahia, the Federal District, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Authorities are continuing efforts to identify other children and adolescents who may be victims of similar blackmail or coercion to ensure they are referred to protection networks.