Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu on Monday, September 2, 2019, disclosed that the commission has arrested a suspected female cyber fraudster who was recently declared wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Benin City, Edo State. He stated that the identity of the lady was withheld for now because investigations were still ongoing.

Magu made the disclosure in Benin City while addressing the media on the commission’s efforts to rid the society of economic and financial crimes and its collaboration with the FBI.

He revealed that the arrested suspect “is involved in obtaining/stealing people’s identification information which she forward to her American collaborator. Her collaborator uses 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.”

The EFCC Acting Chairman, who was represented by the Zonal Head, Muhtar Bello, said the commission between January and August 2019 arrested 113 internet fraudsters in Edo, Delta and Ondo states, and secured the conviction of 53 in court. “Over 30 exotic cars were confiscated from the suspects. Other items recovered from them are lap tops computers, mobile phones flash, drive, internet modem and charms,” he said.

Magu also revealed that the Commission Independently arrested a cybercriminal and two siblings who are 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,” he said.

Using graphic illustrations, the EFCC boss educated journalists on how funds move from “hackers, farmers and the pickers”. He said the education became necessary because the commission will soon begin clampdown on those who appear to have legitimate businesses such as hotels, real estate, casino, oil and gas but are international fraudsters.

Magu said the commission is resolute in exterminating cybercrimes and appealed to the media and all patriotic Nigerians to join hands with the anti-graft agency to eradicate the malaise.

Update news