A Macomb County woman is facing felony and misdemeanor charges for allegedly soliciting men online and blackmailing them into paying her thousands of dollars.
Two of the alleged victims are Berkley residents, officials said.
Marina Bazzi, 26, was arrested Tuesday at her Macomb Township home during the execution of a search warrant by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Berkley Department of Public Safety.
According to Berkley police, an investigation from April to October last year led to charges against Bazzi for allegedly using numerous adult websites to solicit illegal services and extort victims, demanding money through online payment platforms.
Bazzi also has multiple outstanding warrants related to similar crimes and related investigations throughout metro Detroit, officials said.
Bazzi was arraigned on Feb. 19 in 44th District Court for felony and misdemeanor charges of using a computer to commit a crime, extortion, stalking and harassment. She’s held in the Oakland County Jail.
Of the crimes Bazzi is charged with, the most serious — extortion and the felony count of using a computer to commit a crime — are punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The other crimes are misdemeanors
Bazzi’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 27 for a probable cause conference.
The Berkley Department of Public Safety acknowledged assistance on the case from the Grand Rapids Police Department, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of the scams is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency.