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Tag: Internet Fraud

  • How EFCC secured 235 years imprisonment of Internet fraudster

    How EFCC secured 235 years imprisonment of Internet fraudster

    Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court, Uyo has convicted and sentenced a notorious international fraudster, Scales Olatunji, to 235 years imprisonment for internet fraud and money laundering.

    Olatunji was arraigned on July 2, 2019 on 45-count charges bordering on identity theft, money laundering and conspiracy.

    He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, thus setting the stage for his trial.

    One of the counts reads: “That you, Scales Olatunji Ishola “M”, Meraiyebu Charles “M”(at large), Gabriel Adeyemi Olugbenga “M”(at large), Ojomo Oluwatobi Ayodele “M”(at large) and Adekola Oluwatoyin “M”(at large), between January 2017 to October 2018, in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of N525,172,580.00 (Five Hundred and Twenty Five Million, One Hundred and Seventy-two Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty Naira) only, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activities to wit: fraud (Business E-mail Compromise and Identity Theft), and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act”

    Another count reads: “That you, Scales Olatunji Ishola “M” on or about the 15th day of May 2018, in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did send electronic messages (email) using emailoffice01@aol.com to one Monica Goulmoen of the Charity Association for providing girls and boys in Kobane with a football pitch, while impersonating a certain Per Ravn Omdal, a former Norwegian Football Association President, demanding the sum of €64,000.00 (Sixty-Four Thousand Euros) to be transferred to you via IBAN GB74HBUK40062132722119 which was paid and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (3)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the same Act”.

    EFCC‘s counsel, Nwandu Ukoha opened the case on November 7, 2019 and subsequently tendered thirty-five(35) exhibits through four prosecution witnesses, which were all admitted in evidence against the defendant. He closed the case on January 29, 2021 for the defence to open its defence.

    Both the prosecution and defence counsel adopted their written addresses in October 2021, before the court adjourned for judgment.

    Delivering judgment on Monday, June 27, 2022, Justice Okeke convicted Olatunji on all the 45- counts preferred against him by the EFCC. Justice Okeke said that, “the evidence of the prosecution witnesses are consistent and the prosecution established the guilt of the defendant in the case of money laundering as it relates to count one to five of the charges. The prosecution also established the guilt of the defendant in the offence of cybercrime as it relates to count six to forty five of the charges. The prosecution, on the totality of evidence before this court, proved the charges against the defendant.”

    The judge sentenced Olatunji to seven (7) years imprisonment on counts one to five, and five (5) years imprisonment on counts six to forty-five. The sentence, shall, however, run concurrently with effect from the date of arrest.

    The court also ordered that the money in the convict’s account be forfeited to Norwegian citizens through the EFCC. Also, his properties: House No. 6, located on Road 2 West-end Estate, Ikota, Lekki, Lagos State and House No. 10, Donatus Odum Street, Ikate, Lagos State are to be sold by the EFCC and the proceeds restituted to the Norwegian victims.

    The convict’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when operatives of the EFCC arrested him on March 20, 2019 at his Ikota , Lekki’s residence based on a petition from the Oslo Police District in Norway, requesting the assistance of the EFCC in investigating a network of Nigerians that had defrauded Norwegian citizens for years.

    Investigations revealed that the convict belonged to a syndicate of internet fraudsters who specialized in Business Email Compromise-BEC.

  • Internet fraudster bags 235 years imprisonment, another loses N13m car to FG

    The Federal High Court, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has sentenced international fraudster, Scales Olatunji to 235 years imprisonment for internet fraud and money laundering.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court sentenced Olatunji convicting the notorious international fraudster for internet fraud and money laundering.

    Olatunji was first arraigned on July 2, 2019 on 45-count charges bordering on identity theft, money laundering and conspiracy.

    According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), he pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, thus setting the stage for his trial.

    However, following Olatunji’s trial, he was found guilty of the charges and was sentenced to 235 years imprisonment.

    Meanwhile, in a related development, the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC has secured the conviction of one Olukayode Emmanuel Olamilekan from Akure, Ondo State for offences bordering on cybercrime.

    ALSO READ || How EFCC secured 235 years imprisonment of Internet fraudster

    Olukayode, 26, was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment by Justice Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court, Ilorin after he was found guilty of the two-count charges levelled against him by the EFCC.

    The convict was among the thirty suspected internet fraudsters arrested in Ado-Ekiti on April 26, 2022 during a sting operation.

    Investigation into the matter revealed that Olukayode, who is currently jobless is into internet fraud and had benefited several millions of naira from his fraudulent activities, part of which he used to purchase a Mercedes Benz ML 350 for N13 million.

    The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.

    Following his guilty plea, counsel to the EFCC, Sesan Ola, reviewed the facts of the case.

    He tendered the extra-judicial statements of the defendant, phones, HP laptop and the car recovered from him at the point of arrest as well as fraudulent messages printed from his devices, which were admitted in evidence.

    Ola urged the court to convict the defendant in line with his plea and the exhibits tendered before it.

    Justice Sani in his judgement said he found merit in the case of the prosecution and consequently convicted the defendant.

    The judge sentenced Olukayode to one-year imprisonment on counts one and two with option of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only) fine on each count.

    The court also ordered the forfeiture of one iPhone 12, infinix X 65, HP laptop and Mercedes Benz ML 350 recovered from the convict to the Federal Government.

  • EFCC arrests 26 suspected internet fraudsters in Ibadan

    EFCC arrests 26 suspected internet fraudsters in Ibadan

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Office has arrested 26 suspected internet fraudsters in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

    This is contained in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, and made available to newsmen on Monday, in Ibadan.

    The suspects were arrested at Soka area of Ibadan, over alleged internet-related fraud activities.

    Among those arrested was a suspect who introduced himself as an aide to Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state.

    Uwujaren said that the suspects were arrested following verified intelligence on their alleged cybercrime activities.

    He said the suspects had admitted that they were involved in internet fraud activities.

    Uwujaren said that an identity card recovered from one of the suspects introduced him as a personal assistant on media matters to Gov. Seyi Makinde.

    He said that among the items recovered from the suspects included seven exotic cars, several laptops, mobile phones and other incriminating documents.

    Uwujaren added that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

  • EFCC arrests nine internet fraudsters in Warri

    EFCC arrests nine internet fraudsters in Warri

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has arrested nine alleged internet fraudsters in Warri, Delta State.

    Operatives of the EFCC, Benin Zonal Command made this known in a statement on Monday.

    The suspects were arrested at their hideout sequel to actionable intelligence.

    They were identified as Musa Shaka, Musa Dauda, Oghenekuwe Moses, Oghenekuwe Hezekiah, Akpan Bobby, Ilaya Godstime, Olemene Azubuike, Edevo Success and Atarhe Ochuko.

    The commission said it recovered a Lexus ES 350 and mobile phones from the suspects.

    It added that they have made useful statements and would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations were completed.

  • Why we invaded Abeokuta hotel to arrest 56 Internet fraudsters – EFCC

    Why we invaded Abeokuta hotel to arrest 56 Internet fraudsters – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified why it’s operatives invaded a hotel based in Abeokuta, Ogun State to arrest 56 Internet fraudsters.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the EFCC made the clarification on Tuesday on the heels of an operation by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the agency.

    Following the arrest of the arrest of the 56 suspected internet fraudsters, the Commission has warned hotel owners across the country to be wary of allowing internet fraudsters to congregate or hibernate around their facilities.

    TNG reports the suspects arrested included Garfar Olamide Taiwo, Fadimaye Habeeb, Badmus Idris, Samuel Victor, Seun Fuad, Alli Isaac, Oyeleke Mubarak, Bolu Soetan, Koleosho Eniola, Saheed Abidemi, Olaewe Tosin, Ayedun Idowu, Oniyitan Ayomide, Akinlabi Precious, Gbadebo Sultan, Adeyemi Habeeb, Balogun Hassan, Sulaimon Ayub Damilare, and Akinsola Usman.

    Others are; Ajibola Femi Sodiya, Ridwan Alani, Olusesi Lanre, Eniatimo Oludare, Taiwo Opeyemi, Akindele Kabiru Johnson Hammed, Idowu Gabriel, Adekanmi Adejumo, Peter Babatunde, Okeowo Sunday, Abudu Habeeb, Sabair Rasaq, Ademuyiwa Basit, Toriola Opeyemi, Babayode Abiola, Agbaje Habeeb, Sorinola Oluwatobiloba, Abiodun Elegbede, Kayode Daniel ,Lawal Alabi, Oyewole Korede, Aberuagba Gafar, Adekunle Emmanuel, Okunade Azeez, and Ojediran Sodiq.

    According to the EFCC, they were apprehended at their hideouts which happened to be popular hotels in the ancient city.

    TNG reports the EFCC as saying the operation was based on verified intelligence backed by weeks of surveillance, and that it was nearly frustrated by the hotel owners who employed various antics, including shutting down power supply, to enable some of the suspects to escape arrest.

    “Despite the lack of cooperation by the hotel owners, the operatives demonstrated professionalism in ensuring that no one was hurt nor property damaged during the operations, contrary to the narrative in a section of the media.

    “Nevertheless, the action of the hoteliers amounts to deliberate sabotage and obstruction of law enforcement officers, an offence punishable by Section 38 (2) (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.

    “The Commission has observed a worrying pattern of cold complicity by hospitality entrepreneurs who appear to be hands-in-gloves with suspected fraudsters by housing them over long spells and making internet facilities available to them.

    “While the argument is being made in certain quarters that hoteliers as business people have no means of determining who a fraudster is before allowing them to lodge in their facilities that position runs counter to the law.

    “Section 3 of the Advance Fee Fraud And Other Related Offences Act, 2006 provides for a prison term of between five and 15 years without option of fine for any person who permits his premises to be used for any offence under the Act.

    “EFCC will therefore not tolerate situations where hotel owners or managers not only permit fraudsters to use their facilities but also deliberately shield them from arrest by frustrating law enforcement on such premises.

    “If the hoteliers are not enablers of the alleged crimes, as some have demonstrated by offering information to the Commission, they are under obligation to cooperate with law enforcement officers carrying out their lawful duties. To act otherwise would tantamount to willingly becoming enablers to fraud,” the Commission stated.

    TNG reports ten exotic cars, dozens of mobile phones, laptops and several incriminating documents were recovered from the suspected fraudsters arrested in Abeokuta.

    “They will be arraigned in court as soon as the investigation is concluded,” EFCC stated.

  • EFCC arrests popular Facebook slay queen, Sassie Dira

    EFCC arrests popular Facebook slay queen, Sassie Dira

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested popular Facebook slay queen known as Sassie Dira in Benue State for alleged Internet fraud.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Sassie Dira, whose real name is Okiemute Deborah, was arrested along with members of her syndicate.

    She was arrested by the Makurdi zonal office of the EFCC on Saturday May 1 shortly after slaying on Facebook.

    “First day of the month looking absolutely stunning as usual, fake life at its peak but don’t borrow clothing to show off, fully focused for the kingdom and the king’s spec, only those with Royal blood should DM,” Sassie Dira shared on Facebook shortly before she was arrested.

    First day of the month looking absolutely stunning as usual, fake life at its peak but don’t borrow clothing to show…

    Posted by Sassie Dira on Saturday, 1 May 2021

     

    Meanwhile, the anti graft agency has given the names of the members of the syndicate as Gideon Damisa, Sunday James, Friday Ebosele.

    They were rounded up by operatives of the Commission following intelligence report on their alleged criminal activities in and around Makurdi metropolis.

    At the point of arrest, the principal suspect Gideon Damisa was in possession of a Mercedes Benz GLK 350 2010 Model, 1 iPhone, 2 Pro Max, 2 Infinix phone and ATM cards, among others.

    According to the EFCC, they will soon be charged to court.

  • EFCC arrests son, mother for Internet fraud

    EFCC arrests son, mother for Internet fraud

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Lagos Zonal Office have arrested Ibeh Theophilus Uche, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), 10 Kobo Wine Place, Ikotun, Lagos alongside his mother for their alleged involvement in computer-related fraud to the tune of about N50 million.

    The 28-year-old suspect was arrested recently in his room in Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, following credible intelligence reports about his alleged criminal activities.

    During interrogation, Uche, who presents himself variously as Rachael Armstrong, Keanu Reeves, Rebekah Schwarzenberger, Keanu Private, Elizabeth Hortman and Stefan Paulson, confessed to being into Bitcoin investment scam, romance scam and identity theft.

    The suspect also confessed to have defrauded his victims to the tune of about N50 million since he started the criminal activities in 2020.

    Investigations revealed that the suspect had been using a First Bank account belonging to his mother, who is one of his accomplices, to launder the proceeds of his alleged criminal activities.

    Items recovered from the suspect are one iPhone 11 Pro Max; one iPhone 12 pro max; two MacBook Pro laptops; a PlayStation 5; an iPad and a small Nokia touch phone.

    Others are a Mercedes Benz S550 2015 Sedan car and a Lexus RX 350 SUV 2016, among other incriminating items.

    The suspect will soon be charged to court, according to the EFCC.

  • Nigeria ranks 16th in FBI’s list of countries most affected by internet crimes

    Nigeria ranks 16th in FBI’s list of countries most affected by internet crimes

    The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has released its annual report.

    The 2020 Internet Crime Report includes information from 791,790 complaints of suspected internet crime—an increase of more than 300,000 complaints from 2019—and reported losses exceeding $4.2 billion.

    State-specific statistics have also been released and can be found within the 2020 Internet Crime Report and in the accompanying 2020 State Reports.

    According to the report, Nigeria is ranked 16th worst affected country.

    Other countries that ranked better than Nigeria are Pakistan, China, Columbia, and Hong Kong.

    Apart from Nigeria, South Africa was also listed among the ‘worst’ 20. South Africa rated sixth with 1,754 victims while Nigeria had 443 victims.

    The top three crimes reported by victims in 2020 were phishing scams, non-payment/non-delivery scams, and extortion. Victims lost the most money to business email compromise scams, romance and confidence schemes, and investment fraud. Notably, 2020 saw the emergence of scams exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic. The IC3 received over 28,500 complaints related to COVID-19, with fraudsters targeting both businesses and individuals.

    Infographic depicting the number of complaints to the Internet Crime Complaint Center in 2020 (791,790) compared to 2019 (467,361).
    In addition to statistics, the IC3’s 2020 Internet Crime Report contains information about the most prevalent internet scams affecting the public and offers guidance for prevention and protection. It also highlights the FBI’s work combating internet crime, including recent case examples. Finally, the 2020 Internet Crime Report explains the IC3, its mission, and functions.

    The IC3 gives the public a reliable and convenient mechanism to report suspected internet crime to the FBI. The FBI analyzes and shares information from submitted complaints for investigative and intelligence purposes, for law enforcement, and for public awareness.

    With the release of the 2020 Internet Crime Report, the FBI wants to remind the public to immediately report suspected criminal internet activity to the IC3 at ic3.gov. By reporting internet crime, victims are not only alerting law enforcement to the activity but aiding in the overall fight against cybercrime.

  • EFCC arrests 57 internet fraud suspects in Osun after hotel raids

    EFCC arrests 57 internet fraud suspects in Osun after hotel raids

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission raided a number of hotels in Ibadan on Friday to arrest 57 people suspected to be internet fraudsters.

    The hotels have been described as hideouts for the suspects in Ilaro area of Ogun state.

    EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren said in a statement in Ibadan that the agency was intensifying efforts to tackle financial crimes and secure more convictions.

    The raid on Friday follows “actionable intelligence” linking the suspects to alleged fraudulent activities.

    EFCC lists the activities to range from love scam on a number of dating sites and obtaining money by false pretext to a number of acts listed under cybercrimes.

    The EFCC said that two pump action rifles, four exotic cars, mobile phones, laptops and several incriminating documents were recovered from the suspects.

    It said that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

  • JUST IN: EFCC uncovers another Internet fraud training centre in Abuja

    JUST IN: EFCC uncovers another Internet fraud training centre in Abuja

    Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have uncovered yet another underworld ‘academy’ for the grooming of internet fraudsters.

    The ‘academy’ located in Arab Contractors Area of Mpape Hills, a suburb of Abuja, was discovered when operatives, acting on intelligence, stormed the base on Thursday February 18, and arrested 27 internet fraud suspects.

    The coordinator of the ‘academy’ is said to be 30-year-old Emmanuel Clement, and his ‘students’ are mostly young school leavers, ladies inclusive, within the age range of 18 to 25 years.

    TNG had earlier reported on how Internet fraudsters in Abuja are fast relocating to rural areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to beat security operatives.