In the first sextortion case led by the Australian Federal Police, the 25-year-old was arrested at his home on Wednesday.

He has been charged with one count of aggravated use of a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence involving the distribution of private sexual material.

He appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday where his identity was suppressed.

A Commonwealth prosecutor opposed any forms of bail and the man was remanded in custody to return to court next month.

Police will allege the videos and images were taken consensually, but after the relationship ended, the man threatened to send footage and images to the woman's relatives and post them on social media.

Superintendent Gail McClure said it would be alleged the man told his victim that police would not be able to prosecute him because he was not an Australian citizen and she was living in a different country.

"This case shows it does not matter where you live, the AFP is uniquely positioned, with officers based around the world and with strong international networks, to investigate and prosecute crimes conducted across international borders," Supt McClure said.

The AFP investigated the case after receiving a referral from an "overseas law enforcement partner" but would not disclose which agency provided the tip-off.

Supt McClure said investigators believed the man's motivation was revenge but it was difficult to say until a full forensic investigation was conducted on a number of seized electronic devices.

"It's hard to know and we haven't had the opportunity to properly examine the devices, but certainly we will allege he was making threats to the victim," she said.

Australian Associated Press