ABUJA—The Nigeria Police Force arrested seven defendants suspected of being involved in a massive online investment fraud scheme that targeted victims in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and other nations after discovering and dismantling an international cyber scam center in Agbor, Delta State.
The Police National Cybercrime Center, or NPF-NCC, worked with the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) to conduct the operation, with intelligence assistance from Meta, according to information released by Force Headquarters on Thursday.
Investigations showed that the suspects operated a sophisticated online investment fraud, posing as respectable cryptocurrency traders on social media to trick unwary victims, according to CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer.
According to Hundeyin, “the suspects used fake social media accounts to deceive individuals engaging with legitimate investment platforms.” The syndicate also recruited and educated young people in phishing and online investment fraud, primarily targeting victims and residents in the UK.
Collins Ogwuorie, Christian Ogwuorie, Gbenoba Emmanuel, Samuel Olufemi, Collins Victor, Onyeka Emenem, and Kefas Ogunbor were the suspects that were taken into custody.
According to preliminary findings, Collins Ogwuorie managed the fraud network. He allegedly obtained roughly 500 social media accounts from internet merchants and disseminated them among syndicate members for coordinated victim engagement, impersonation, and spamming. Roles like as online engagement and account administration were delegated to each suspect.
In order to trick victims into making false investments, police said the group also ran a phony Facebook page called “Retirement Strategies: Real Estate and Market Insights,” where they posted phony testimonies.
Detectives found 26 cell phones, 42 SIM cards, and one laptop during the raid; all of these items are thought to have been utilized in the crimes. While the public has been cautioned to exercise caution and confirm the legitimacy of online investing platforms, investigations are still underway.
