Berkley, MI → A 26-year-old Macomb Township woman is facing multiple felony charges following an investigation by the Berkley Department of Public Safety into an alleged online extortion scheme that targeted men across Metro Detroit, including two Berkley residents.
According to authorities, Berkley detectives conducted an investigation from April through October 2025 into allegations that Marina Bazzi used numerous adult websites to solicit men before allegedly demanding money through online payment platforms. Prosecutors allege the scheme involved extortion and harassment, with victims reportedly defrauded of thousands of dollars.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office authorized charges following the investigation. Officials say Bazzi also has multiple outstanding warrants tied to similar fraud and scam investigations in other Metro Detroit jurisdictions.
On February 17, 2026, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside Berkley detectives, executed a search warrant at Bazzi’s residence in Macomb Township and took her into custody. Authorities indicated the arrest also addressed additional investigations from several jurisdictions.
Bazzi was arraigned February 19 in 44th District Court, where bond was set at $50,000 on the felony extortion charge and $10,000 on the stalking charge. She was ordered to wear a GPS tether as a condition of release.
She has been charged with:
• Felony Extortion – 20-year felony
• Using a Computer to Commit a Crime – 20-year felony
• Stalking – 1-year misdemeanor
• Harassment – 93-day misdemeanor
• Using a Computer to Commit a Crime – 1-year misdemeanor
Authorities said the Berkley Department of Public Safety received assistance throughout the investigation from the Grand Rapids Police Department, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service.
Investigators are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of similar scams to contact their local law enforcement agency.
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