THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, says a female suspect declared wanted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for alleged internet fraud has been arrested.
Ibrahim Magu, acting Chairman of EFCC disclosed this in Benin City, Edo State during a media briefing on the commission’s joint action with the FBI.
This is coming after the anti-graft agency disclosed it arrested three others — Joseph Oyediran, Ogbonnah Atoukaritou and Alpha Chidi Egbeonu, all on August 30 at different parts of the country.
The accused persons were linked to a $1.1 billion internet scam which allegedly involved 77 Nigerians.
Magu, who was represented by Muhtar Bello, the Zonal Head of EFCC, noted that the commission resolved to keep hidden the identity of the female suspect pending the outcome of on-going investigations.
He said the arrested suspect was “involved in obtaining/stealing people’s identification information which she forwards to her American collaborator.
Her collaborator used it to file for fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. She received as her cut, 185 Bitcoin which by current market value is N656, 371, 490.
Magu added that the Benin Zonal office arrested 133 suspected internet fraudsters in eight months at Edo, Delta and Ondo states.
The commission, he noted already secured 53 convictions in court.
“Over 30 exotic cars were confiscated from the suspects. Other items recovered from them are laptops computers, mobile phones flash, drive, internet modem and charms.”
Magu said the commission independently arrested a cyber-criminal and two siblings, who were allegedly involved in Business Email Compromise (BEC).
“Their modus operandi was searching for victims email addresses especially Official Business Email addresses, create a phishing link and compromising the process in order to defraud unsuspecting victims.”
Narrating the usual flow of funds using graphical illustrations, Magu shared how funds were being moved from the ‘hackers’ to ‘farmers’ and the ‘pickers’, thus need for public sensitisation.
He hinted that the EFCC would soon commence clampdown on those who appeared to have legitimate businesses such as hotels, real estate, casino, oil, and gas but are international fraudsters.
Olugbenga heads the Investigations Desk at The ICIR. Do you have a scoop? Shoot him an email at [email protected]. Twitter Handle: @OluAdanikin