Escape from Tarkov is well-known for the amount of realism it depicts through the in-game mechanics. While this does result in gameplay being harder than usual, you’re pretty much good to go once you’ve got the basics down.
However, certain missions are confusing in a pretty different way. You’re practically unaware of what the mission is asking from you – which can be frustrating, especially when it’s the Extortionist mission.
In this guide, we will be taking a walk through the Extortionist mission from Escape From Tarkov to create an easy-to-follow route. With that said, let’s jump right in!
The Extortionist – Mission Objectives
You will be aiming to complete the following objectives while playing the Extortionist Mission in Escape From Tarkov.

The Extortionist Map | via Sirus Gaming
- Obtain the Cargo: There’s a cargo hidden on Customs. It’s pretty valuable!
- Locate the body: You need to find the messenger’s body (Optional Objective)..
- Find the initial hiding: You need to find the place where the cargo was initially hidden (Optional Objective).
- Hand Over the Cargo: Once obtained, you need to hand the valuable cargo to Skier in order to complete the mission.
Reward Distribution
Here are all the rewards you can obtain by clearing The Extortionist mission in Escape From Tarkov:
- +3,200 EXP
- Skier Rep +0.04
- 500 Dollars
- 525 Dollars with Intelligence Center Level 1
- 575 Dollars with Intelligence Center Level 2
- 1× Molot VPO-209 .366 TKM carbine
- 3× AK 7.62×39 30-round magazine (issued ’55 or later)
- 120× .366 TKM EKO
- 1x BNTI Zhuk-3 body armor (Press)
via Wiki
The Extortionist | Main Items
There are a total of two items related to the mission. You cannot complete the mission without them.
However, finding them can be a bit of a pain, so it’s better to know a bit about them in order to be able to identify them later.
Item #1: Unknown Key
This key is required to unlock the cabin within the customs. You need this item to reach Secure Folder 0048 since it is located within the customs – and the customs cannot be accessed without this unknown key.
You only need one of the said items. However, it’s not really found during the raid, so you won’t have to go out of your way to look for it.
Item #2: Secure Folder 0048
This quest item is only obtained if the quest is ongoing. Otherwise, you won’t be able to find anything, even if you manage to reach within the customs. Luckily though, the Secure Folder 0048 is automatically transferred to player’s inventory.
You won’t be able to clear the mission without the Secure Folder 0048, and you will lose this item if you fail to extract with it.
The Extortionist – Objective Item Locations
You essentially need to grab a folder in the customs to clear the quest. However, the area is locked, and you need a key found on a dead scav in order to unlock it.
Luckily, the dead scav is located on Customs as well, and the spawn rate for the key is permanent per raid. This essentially means that you’d be able to find the key as long as you have the quest active.
Dead Scav
The Dead Scav – along with the Cabin is marked on the following map:

Customs Escape From Tarkov | via OP_SKS
The scav can be found behind a bush in the marked location. Once you got that down, head to the top of the Scav to grab the keys.
Secure Folder
The secure golden can be found on the floor under a jacket. Here’s a visual representation of it:

Extortionist | via Future Game Releases
Once you’ve obtained the folder, the mission will conclude, and you’re pretty much good to go!
Conclusion
In essence, you just need to find the scav from behind the bushes, grab the key on top of it, and finally, head inside Custom to pick the folder up. Understandably, you won’t be able to find it by sight alone.
The reason is it’s hidden under a jacket on the floor. Just move it aside, and viola! You have the secure folder. This mission can only be started once you’re at least level 7.