The FBI’s Buffalo Field Office is seeking to identify potential victims of Max Yang Chen, who was recently indicted on charges of unauthorized device intrusion and cyberstalking.

The FBI’s investigation revealed, and the charges allege, that Chen gained access to females’ social media accounts and obtained sexually explicit photos and videos. After obtaining these photos and videos, Chen allegedly harassed and threatened some of these women to release their explicit images, if additional photos and videos were not produced. In other cases, Chen allegedly pretended to have the ability to remove explicit images from pornographic leak websites, offering his services in exchange for their nude photos and videos. An indictment is merely an allegation, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI is seeking the public’s help in identifying potential victims, both minors and adult women, who may have been threatened, harassed, or extorted, by Chen. The FBI believes Chen targeted females from 2017 until his arrest on March 7, 2024.

The FBI believes Chen likely contacted victims from the following Instagram accounts:

• alexparsley123
• tblair234
• kristorino
• kristeenthrack
• temptempterm (multiple variations)
• haydenjaus

If you have or know anyone who has been victimized by Chen, or by any of the above-listed usernames, please fill out this short form. You may also contact FBI Buffalo at SextortionTipsBCTF@FBI.GOV.

The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes it investigates. Victims may be eligible for certain services, restitution, and rights under federal and/or state law. Your responses are voluntary but may be useful in the federal investigation and to identify you as a potential victim. Based on the responses provided, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information. All identities of victims will be kept confidential.