Cybercrime: Nigeria Police arrest 2 persons for online, cryptocurrency frauds, ID theft

*The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre says the NPF-NCCC has successfully busted two suspects responsible for computer-related fraud, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, and obtaining money by false pretence as part of tackling transnational crimes in the country

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In line with the importance of tackling transnational crimes in the country, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) says it has successfully busted two suspects responsible for computer-related fraud, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, and obtaining money by false pretence.

It was learnt the two suspects reportedly run a syndicate specialising in defrauding unsuspecting victims from foreign countries by assuming appealing identities of other persons and promising them romantic relationships, under the pretext of which they defraud their victims.

In the extant case, a report on their activities was received from Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency in Korea through the Interpol National Central Bureau that in May, 2021, the suspects approached the victim, certain Baek Seong-hee, a Korean national, via Kakaotalk, a mobile messaging application used majorly in South Korea, in the guise of being a member of the US Armed Forces stationed in Yemen, Nigeria Police said.

According to Police authorities, the suspect used the pretext of a romantic relationship and defrauded the victim of 259,637,941 Korean Won (KRW) worth of cryptocurrency equivalent to about N91 million in Nigerian currency.

The Force noted that subsequent investigations led the NPF-NCCC to the arrest of Odia Theophilus, aged 24, and Ebo Junior Success, aged 25, at their hideout in Benin City, Edo State capital.

The Police said the cyberfraud suspects confessed to being part of a syndicate responsible for these crimes, Channels TV report said.

They disclosed their roles as accomplices who provide bank accounts for fraudsters in furtherance of their nefarious activities, Police stated.

Meanwhile, Usman Alkali Baba, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has commended the efforts of Uche Ifeanyi Henry, DCP, Head of NPF-NCCC, on ensuring a clampdown on cyber-related offences in Nigeria.

Baba also lauded the collaboration the NPF enjoys with other Police agencies worldwide via the Interpol NCB platform.

He stressed the significance of such close relationship in tackling transnational crimes.

The Police said that the  suspects would be charged to court after conclusion of investigations.