A Nigerian national, Gabriel Onyeka, has been arrested in connection with an online scam in which an India-based businessman was allegedly defrauded of ?1.25 crore (approximately ?250.88 million).

Onyeka, 41, was apprehended at his residence in Kalyan, Maharashtra, a state in the Asian country. Authorities suspect he is a key figure in a coordinated cybercrime network targeting Indian nationals through elaborate online schemes.

According to the Times of India, Onyeka posed as a senior executive from a reputed pharmaceutical company and approached the victim with a lucrative offer to supply Plukenetia volubilis — an Ayurvedic liquid used in cosmetic, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products.

He offered the businessman a dealership and promised a substantial order, which persuaded the victim to engage further.

Police said the businessman was directed to purchase a sample of the product from a designated supplier. This supplier was later discovered to be a fake entity allegedly controlled by Onyeka himself.

After the initial purchase of one litre, individuals posing as quality control inspectors contacted the businessman and encouraged him to make additional payments, citing promising returns.

Lured by the anticipated profits, the businessman transferred ?47 lakh for more stock. Over time, more payments were solicited under various justifications, leading to a total loss of ?1.25 crore.

The Investigation revealed that Onyeka used the same mobile number throughout the operation, which helped police trace his location. Upon arrest, officers recovered four mobile phones from his residence. One of the devices contained a screenshot of a WhatsApp message sent to the victim, which authorities cited as evidence of Onyeka’s direct involvement.

Further checks revealed that Onyeka has been living in India without valid documentation since 2012. He originally entered the country on a medical visa for treatment in West Bengal. After his visa expired, he remained illegally and later relocated to Mumbai. In 2020, he was booked by the Mumbai Police for overstaying his visa.

At the time of his arrest, Onyeka was living in a two-bedroom apartment on the 20th floor of a high-rise in Kalyan.

Police have launched further investigations to identify other potential members of the syndicate. (The Guardian)