The acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has said that the commission in collaboration with the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has arrested a suspected female cyber fraudster allegedly on the FBI list in Edo state.
The commission also disclosed that it has arrested also 113 internet fraudsters and secured the conviction of 53 others between January till date.
Magu, who was represented by the Head of Benin Zonal office, Muhtar Bello, disclosed this to journalists on Monday in Benin, saying that the female suspect whose name he didn’t mention is working in collaboration with foreign counterparts in a dark web.
He said, “The suspect is involved in obtaining and stealing people’s identification and information. She sends them to her American collaborators. They use the information to file for fraudulent tax returns with the internal revenue service.”
Bello said the suspect has received her share of about 185 bitcoins whose current value is about N656, 371, 490 and that the money has been traced to her.
He explained that the suspect used the proceeds to open businesses which has been confiscated by the commission, saying that the name could not be disclosed in order not to jeopardize ongoing investigations.
He further disclosed that the commission has arrested two siblings who are allegedly involved in business of email compromise.
“The suspects’ modus operandi was searching for victims email addresses, especially official business email addresses, create a fishy link and compromising the process in order to catch unsuspecting victims.”
He charged Nigerians to expose people without any identifiable source of livelihood who continue to live large on other people’s sweat, adding that the commission will not relent in the fight against financial crimes.
Bello said over 30 exotic cars, computers, mobile phones, flash drives, internet modems and charms were recovered from the 113 suspects who were arrested.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
