Nigeria - 419 Coalition 2016 News on Nigerian Scam / 419 Operations

20 DEC 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission:

EFCC Arraign Suspected Fraudster for Contract Scam 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission today December 20, 2016 
arraigned one Jamilu Yunusa before Justice Yahaya Galadanci of the Kano 
State High Court on a seven count charge of Conspiracy and Obtaining 
by False Pretense.

The accused person alongside two others, Inuwa Abdu and Habibu Inuwa 
who are still at large  allegedly connived and defrauded the complainants 
to the tune of N1,520,000 (One Million, Five Hundred and Twenty Thousand 
Naira ) by claiming that he had a contract with Dantata and Sawoe for 
the supply of pipes to the company.

He convinced his victims by promising to share the contract profit with 
them. However, investigation by the EFCC revealed that the accused person 
never had a contract with Dantata and Sawoe.

One of the charges read "that Jamilu Yunusa, Inuwa Abdu (at large) and 
Habibu Inuwa (at large) sometime in 2015 in Kano within the jurisdiction 
of this Honourable Court conspired among yourselves to do an illegal act 
to wit: obtaining by false pretense the sum of N200,000 (Two Hundred 
Thousand Naira Only) from Nuhu Abubakar through Skye Bank account belonging 
to Inuwa Abdu with account number 3042263847 which was done pursuance to 
the said agreement and thereby committed an offense contrary to section 
(8) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 
and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act".

After listening to the charge, the accused person pleaded not guilty.

Prosecution counsel Douglas Ijah Gift asked the court for a trial date 
in view of the plea of the accused person.

Counsel for the defendant Amina Umar Garba applied orally that the accused 
person be admitted to bail.

The matter has been adjourned till January 5, 2017 for hearing of bail 
application. The accused person was remanded in prison custody.

Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2248-efcc-arraign-suspected-fraudster-for-contract-scam
*******************************

14 DEC 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission:

EFCC Arraigns Man for Allegedly Duping an Irish Businesswoman of Pounds 53,000

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday December 13, 2016 
arraigned Tonwerigha Oyintonbra Tombrown alias Michael Freeman and his company, 
Yoshinaka Corporation, before Justice A. O. Faji of the Federal High Court, sitting 
in Asaba, Delta State on a 34-count charge bordering on obtaining by false presence.

Tombrown is alleged to have duped an Irish businesswoman, Izabela Glogowska of 
over Pounds 53,000 (fifty three thousand pounds) through internet scam.

According to Glogowska, the petitioner, Tombrown posed as a prominent online trader, 
Michael Freeman, to hoodwink her to part with her money.

Count one of the charge reads:

"That you, Tonwerigha Oyintonbra Tonbrown alias Michael Freeman, Yoshinaka 
Corporation, on or about the 8th day of May, 2015, at Warri, Delta State, 
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, 
did represent yourself as one Michael Freeman a famous online trader and 
obtain the sum of Five thousand, Eight Hundred Euro's (Pounds 5800) from Izabela 
Glogowska under the false pretence that you were going to pay the said sum 
into Izabela Glogowska's Perfect Money account, a pretence you knew to be 
false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of 
the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and 
punishable under Section 1 (3) of the said Act".

Another count reads:

"That you, Tonwerigha Oyintonbra Tombrown alias Michael Freeman, Yoshinaka 
Corporation, on or about the 11th day of May, 2015, at Asaba, Delta State, 
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, 
did represent yourself as one Michael Freeman a famous online trader and 
obtain the sum of Four thousand, Three Hundred Euro's (Pounds 4300) from 
Izabela Glogowska under the false pretence that you were going to pay the 
said sum into Izabela Glogowska's Perfect Money account, a pretence you 
knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 
1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 
2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the said Act".

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, the prosecuting counsel, S. Hussaini asked the court 
to fix a date for the commencement of trial and that the accused person be 
remanded in prison custody.

Counsel to the defendant, I. B. Azago made an oral application for bail 
which was refused by the court. He was asked to make a formal application 
for bail.

Justice Faji adjourned the case to January 23 and 24 2017 and ordered 
the defendant to be remanded in prison custody pending the determination 
of his bail.

Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2242-efcc-arraigns-man-for-allegedly-duping-an-irish-businesswoman-of-53-000
***************************************

14 DEC 2016

EFCC Arraigns Impostor for $17,863 Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, 
December 13, 2016 arraigned one Elvis Yemaye before Justice Olubunmi 
Banjoko of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, 
Abuja on a 2-count charge bordering on impersonation, forgery and 
obtaining by false pretence to the tune of $17, 863 (seventeen 
thousand, eight hundred and sixty three dollars).

The complainant, Albert John Kuba, an American citizen resident in 
Southern Moravia Town, Czech Republic, alleged that Yemaye fraudulently 
defrauded him of several thousands of United States of American dollars 
while threatening to release the recorded romance video of him to the 
public as well as issues that bordered on remittance of inheritance.

According to the complainant, Yemaye started his blackmail when the 
victim decided to back out from an earlier business of making him (Kuba) 
a beneficiary of his inheritance, a business later discovered to be phony.

It was also alleged that the suspect claimed to be one Tommy Rex (Jnr.) 
the picture of whom he used to lure his victims to sending money to him.

Investigation by the EFCC on the matter revealed that, the suspect falsely 
presented himself to the victim as Chief Barrister Elvis Yemaye. He also 
paraded himself as an official of both the EFCC and CBN, using fictitious 
email addresses and several phone numbers to further lure his victim.

Count one of the charge reads:

"That you, Elvis Yemaye (Alias; Chief Barrister Elvis Yemaye) between June, 
2014 and June, 2015 at Abuja within the Abuja Judicial Division of this Honourable 
Court, with intent to defraud, obtain an aggregate sum of $17,863 (seventeen 
thousand, eight hundred and sixty three USD) from one John Albert Kuba, an 
American resident in Czech Republic under the false pretence that the money 
represents payment for the processing of your inheritance claim while acting 
in the name: Tommy Rex and which pretence you knew was false and committed an 
offence contrary to Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related 
Offences Act, Cap A6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004".

Particulars of count two read:

"That you, Elvis Yemaye (Alias; Chief Barrister Elvis Yemaye) between June, 
2014 and June, 2015 at Abuja within the Abuja Judicial Division of this 
Honourable Court did personate a public officer to wit: pretended to be an 
operative with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and in such 
assumed character made a representation to one John Albert Kuba, an American 
resident in Czech Republic that you were investigating a case relating to 
your inheritance and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable 
under Section 132 of the Penal Code".

The accused person pleaded not guilty to the two counts when they were read him.

In view of his plea, counsel to EFCC, Andrew A. Akoja, asked for a trial date.

However, the defence counsel, A. Attah, prayed the court to admit the accused 
person to bail, adding that he would not do anything to frustrate his trial.

Justice Banjoko admitted the accused person to bail in the sum of N20million 
with two sureties in like sum. One of the first sureties must be a civil servant 
not below salary grade level 14, while the other surety must have a title deed 
anywhere in Nigeria and must depose to affidavit of means. The sureties must 
provide tax clearance of three years and must submit their passport photographs 
to the court.

The case has been adjourned to January 31, 2017 for hearing.

Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2241-efcc-arraigns-impostor-for-17-863-fraud
********************************************

7 DEC 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission:

Suspected Internet Fraudster Arraigned 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday December 6, 2016 
arraigned one Obohor John Damilola (a.ka Frank Mcghee Clinton) before Justice 
D.U Okorowo of the Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti, on a 24 count charge 
bordering obtaining money by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents, 
concealment and retention of proceed of crime.

Obohor however pleaded not guilty.

One of the charges reads: "That you Obonor John Damilola (a.ka Frank Mcghee 
Clinton) on or about the 21stof June, 2016 at Ado-Ekiti within the jurisdiction 
of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $3200 USD 
(Three Thousand Two Hundred United State of America Dollars) from Lusmar Duprey 
Marte, a United State of American Citizen when you falsely represented that you 
are one Frank Mcghee Clinton of the United States of American Army, which 
representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary 
to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud 
and Other Related punishable under Section 1(3)of the Advance Fee Fraud and 
other Related Offences Act 2006".    

Another count read: "That you Obonor John Damilola (a.ka Frank Mcghee Clinton) 
on or about the 22ndof June, 2016 at Ado-Ekiti within the jurisdiction of this 
Honourable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $3500 USD (Three 
Thousand Five Hundred United State of America Dollars) from Lusmar Duprey Marte, 
a United State of American Citizen when you falsely represented that you are 
one Frank Mcghee Clinton of the United States of American Army, which representation 
you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) 
and punishable under section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related 
Offences Act 2006".

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel Sanusi M. Galadanchi asked for a 
trial date. But counsel to the defendant,  Olu Jaiyeoba informed the court that 
he has filed bail application and sought the court permission to move it.

Justice Okorowo, however adjourned the matter to the 9th of December, 2016 for 
the hearing of bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded at 
the Federal Prison, Ado-Ekiti.

Obonor, a student of Ekiti State University who poses on the internet as an 
American Army Officer  by the name Sergeant Frank Mcghee serving in Nigeria, 
allegedly engages unsuspecting ladies on the internet in a dating and romance 
scam through which he fleeced them of their money to the tune of N8million.

Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo, 
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2228-suspected-internet-fraudster-arraigned
***********************************

7 DEC 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission:

Suspected Fraudster Docked for Allegedly Duping American $629,287 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday December 7, 
2016 arraigned one Dr. Vincent Anyigor and his company, Vanyigor Concepts 
Limited before Justice M. A. Liman of the Federal High Court, sitting in 
Port Harcourt, Rivers State on a 25-count charge bordering on conspiracy, 
uttering, forgery and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of USD 629,287.00 
(Six Hundred and Twenty Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty Seven U.S Dollars).

The complainant alleged that sometime in October, 2010 he paid the sum of 
$629,287.00 to Dr. Vincent Anyigor for the supply of Six million barrels of 
Bonny Light crude oil and that till date he is yet to receive the products 
or get a refund of his money.

Anyigor is alleged to be the leader of a syndicate and parades himself as 
an international operator in the oil and gas sector

The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

In view of his plea, counsel to EFCC, U. R. Ewoh, asked the court for a 
date for trial. However, counsel to the defendant Chief Chuks Muom (SAN) 
urged the court to grant his client bail as the alleged offence is bailable.

Justice Liman granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100, 000,000.00 
(One hundred million Naira), with two sureties in like sum. Each of the 
sureties must own a landed property worth N50,000,000.00 within the jurisdiction 
of the court. The court bailiff is to verify the property. The defendant is also 
to deposit his international passport with the court registrar.

The defendant is to be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection 
of his bail.

The case has been adjourned to 18 and 19 January, 2017 for trial.

Here is the URL of the article for as long as 
it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2227-suspected-fraudster-docked-for-allegedly-duping-american-629-287
*****************************************

5 DEC 2016

Fraudster Bags Two years Jail Term 

Justice O. Tokode of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin city, 
Edo State on Monday December 5, 2016 convicted and sentenced one 
Fred Okeke to two years imprisonment. 

Okeke was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 
on March 24, 2016 on a three count charge bordering on internet fraud, 
false representation and possession of fraudulent documents.

Okeke pleaded guilty to the three counts charge and was consequently 
convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment on each of the counts. 
The sentences are to run concurrently. 

The presiding judge also ordered that the laptop recovered from the 
convict be forfeited to the federal government.

Okeke's journey to prison began when he was arrested by operatives 
of the EFCC in August 2015 following intelligence report linking him 
to a syndicate of internet fraudsters. Upon his arrest, incriminating 
documents and a laptop were recovered from him, where he was found 
to be using false identity in attempt to extort money from unsuspecting 
victims.
 
One of the charges reads, "That you Okeke Fred sometime in 2015 in 
Benin city, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court 
had in your possession documents containing a false representation to 
wit: fraudulent mails found in your laptop, which you knew to be false 
and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 of the Advanced 
Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act and punishable under Section 
1{3} of the said Act".

Here is the URL of the press release for as long as
it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2217-fraudster-bags-two-years-jail-term
***************************************

29 NOV 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC:

EFCC Impostor Bags 14years for N10m Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, November 
29, 2016 secured the conviction of a notorious fraudster, Abiodun Edward, 
a member of a syndicate which specializes in impersonating staff of the 
agency, to defraud unsuspecting victims.

Edward was arraigned on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 and prosecuted on a 
3-count charge of impersonation and obtaining by false pretence to the tune
of N10million before Justice Beatrice Iliya of the State High Court, Gombe.

The convict and his accomplices, Murtala Bello and Esther Momoh, who are 
still at large, had allegedly claimed to be staff of EFCC Abuja Office, 
in order to defraud one Umar Bello.

The complainant alleged that Bello had, on March 13, 2015 phoned him, assuring 
him that the convict could "kill" a petition purportedly written against him, 
if he could part with a sum of N10million.

Consequently, Bello was said to have sent the phone number of Momoh who claimed 
to be a principal detective superintendent, PDS, with EFCC to the victim for 
further discussion on how the money could be paid to them.

The complainant later alleged that after negotiation, the convict agreed to 
collect N300,000.00 (three hundred thousand naira) from him when he could not 
raise the initial N10million.

He further said one 'Laolu Adegbite' who claimed to be the officer handling 
his purported case, sent an SMS to him to appear before the Commission on 
March 23, 2015.

According to him, owing to the persistent threat by the convict, he paid 
the sum of N50,000.00 (fifty thousand naira) into the convict's Diamond Bank 
account number, 0044213102, which was sent to him by Momoh on March 25, 2015.

Worried by the persistent threat by the convict over the balance of N250,000.00 
(two hundred and fifty thousand naira), the victim petitioned EFCC, which led to 
convict's arrest and subsequent prosecution.

Justice Iliya found Edward guilty of two counts and sentenced him to seven 
years imprisonment on each of the count without option of fine.

The sentences are to run concurrently from the date of the convict's arraignment.

Justice Iliya also ordered the convict to pay N50,000.00 (fifty thousand naira) 
as restitution to the victim.

Here is the URL of the press release for as long as
it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2203-efcc-impostor-bags-14years-for-n10m-scam
**************************************

24 NOV 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC:

Court Jails Fraudsters for Employment Scam

Justice J. K. Omotosho of Federal High Court Kano, today November 24, 2016 
convicted and sentenced the duo of Emmanuel Moyi (a.k.a Abba Musa Bello) 
and Victor Ali Ishaya to sixty and fifty years imprisonment respectively 
on six count charges of  conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.

The convicts journey to prison started when the Commission received a petition
from victims alleging that the convicts obtained several sums of money from them 
under the guise that they were going to give them employment and contract. The 
convicts succeeded in their fraudulent activity through phone calls with different 
GSM numbers and phony names. After the victims realized they had been duped after 
parting with huge sums of money through different bank accounts.

However, further investigation by the EFCC revealed that those accounts were 
specifically opened by the convicts in order to perpetrate their fraudulent 
activities.  The convicts were arraigned on 16th May, 2016 by the EFCC. Upon 
arraignment, they pleaded guilty to the charge read against them.  In view of 
their plea, Justice Omotosho, asked the prosecution to produce their witnesses.

The prosecution counsel N.K. Ukoha after closing his case with only one witness, 
urged the court to convict the defendants accordingly.  The matter was then adjourned 
till 24th November, 2016 for judgment.

In his Judgment, Justice Omotosho convicted and sentenced Moyi to ten years 
imprisonment with option N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only) fine, on 
each of count one to six while the second convict was sentenced to ten years 
imprisonment with option of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only) fine 
on each of count two to six.The sentences are to run concurrently.

Here is the URL of the press release, which includes photos,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2194-court-jails-fraudsters-for-employment-scam
******************************************

18 NOV 2016
From Vanguard, a Nigerian newspaper:

EFCC to get 2% from recovered loots - Senate

By Henry Umoru ABUJA 

Following its role in the anti-graft war, the Senate said yesterday 
that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, would be empowered 
to keep two percent of recovered loots as soon as the amendment of the Act 
which set it up was completed. 

Speaking during a nationwide visit to offices of government agencies 
handling corruption-related cases, Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-
Corruption, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, who led other members of the committee 
to Enugu State, said: "There is a bill for an Act to amend the EFCC laws. 
We will pass the bill next week." 

"We have made provisions for the EFCC to auction seized assets. We have 
also made provisions for special funding for the EFCC. Going forward, 
the EFCC will keep two per cent of whatever it recovers for its operational 
cost." 

"We have big plans to ensure that things are working well for the EFCC." 

Utazi noted that the Senate was prepared to contribute its quota to the 
ongoing anti-corruption fight, which necessitated the committee's nationwide 
visit to offices of government agencies handling corruption-related cases.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/11/efcc-get-2-recovered-loots-senate/

Here is the URL of the article for as long as
it is good:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/11/efcc-get-2-recovered-loots-senate/

419 Coalition Note;  Two things: Firstly, 419 Coalition has been suggesting
for many years that the EFCC be used solely to combat "civilian" white collar 
crime, such as Advance Fee Fraud (419) and private sector fraud cases.  We feel 
that "government" white collar crimes - such as embezzlement of public funds, 
bribery, and corruption - should be handled by the ICPC (Internal Corrupt Practices 
Commission).  That would seem to be a reasonable division of labor to us,
and would get the EFCC out of the often used argument that it is nothing much
more than an instrument of Political witch hunting and retribution etc.

Secondly, in terms of Advance Fee Fraud (419); 419 Coalition has been
recommending for Years that EFCC should be at least partially funded by
receiving a percentage of Recovered and Repatriated 419ed funds and sales
of 419ed assets.  The operative term here is Repatriated.  For 
victims of 419, even in the rare cases where monies are recovered, or 
in which judgements ordering restitution by a 419ers are made, these
things do them no tangible good unless recovered monies are Repatriated.

We've spoken with many 419 victims over the years who were perfectly
willing to let the EFCC keep 10% of Repatriated recovered 419ed 
stolen funds as a sort of "fee" as it were for their services and to
fund their good work and encourage them to actively pursue more recoveries
and repatriations.  

For victims of 419, recovered monies do them no good if they are not
repatriated, and promptly.  For example, the EFCC has said in the past
that they have something like $700 million in recovered 419 victims' 
monies  held in trust in the Central Bank of Nigeria.  These funds are 
sitting there (we hope they are still there) not doing the victims of 
419 any good.  From a victim's point of view, it doesn't make a whole 
lot of difference if the 419ers hold the monies storlen from them, or 
the Nigerian Government holds the monies stolen from them - their 
money is still gone.....

419 Coalition again urges the EFCC to make far greater efforts
to recover 419ed monies and assets, and to Repatriate what they
recover to the victims of 419 - whose money it is.
************************************

17 NOV 2016
From The Sun, a Nigerian newspaper:

Internet fraudsters confess, "We hypnotise our victims to get 
their money"

By Charity Okorie - IBADAN

Three suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as 'yahoo boys', 
arrested by the Oyo State Police Command have confessed that they 
hypnotise their victims before defrauding them of their money.

The suspects (Lanre Sadiq, 26; Sukanmi Daramola, 28; and Opeyemi 
Adedayo, 26) were picked up in their criminal hide out at Soka 
area, Ibadan by the command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS).

The suspects are said to have been elusive for some time before they 
were eventually arrested after several days of intelligence gathering 
and painstaking investigation carried out by the police.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being internet fraudsters, 
adding that they had defrauded many innocent victims - whom they referred 
to as 'clients' - of their hard earned money in naira and foreign currencies.

They also confessed that they often used charms to facilitate their 
illicit business. This they did by hypnotizing victims and 'commanding' 
them to part with their dollars and valuable properties. They further 
disclosed that those who had fallen victims included foreign nationals 
and Nigerians alike.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, Mr. Adekunle 
Ajisebutu, who confirmed the arrest, stated that until their arrest, the 
three suspects were "into cyber crime popularly known as yahoo plus."

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Adegbuyi, he said, had 
directed that a discreet investigation be carried out about their other 
activities, at the end of which they would be arraigned in court. He 
advised young people to shun crime, and to engage in legitimate business, 
even as he vowed to prosecute unrepentant criminals in the state.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include four laptops and an 
assortment of voodoo charms.

Here is the URL of the article for
as long as it is good:
http://sunnewsonline.com/internet-fraudsters-confess-we-hypnotise-our-victims-to-get-their-money/
*******************************************

17 NOV 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commision (EFCC):

EFCC Urges Journalists to Be Frontlines in the Fight against Graft

The head of the South South Zonal office of the Economic and Financial 
Crimes Commission, Ishaq Salihu on Tuesday November 15, 2016 called on 
Nigeria journalists and other media practitioners to collaborate with 
the EFCC in the fight against corruption and financial crimes. According 
to Salihu, the fight against the social malaise of corruption can be won 
if journalists discharge their responsibilities professionally by holding 
the government accountable to the people.

Salihu made this remark while declaring open a training workshop the 
reporting of financial crimes organized by the EFCC for journalists in 
the South South zone of the country which held in Port Harcourt.

Osita Nwajah, Director, Public Affairs, who represented the Ag. Chairman, 
Ibrahim Magu at the event, said the workshop was organized as a way of interfacing 
with journalists and deepening the relationship between the Commission and the 
media. He challenged participants to "become frontlines in the fight against 
corruption if we are to achieve the country of our dream".

Musikilu Mojeed, editor-in-chief of Premium Times, an online newspaper, 
in his paper, Journalism and the Fight Against Corruption, Lesson from 
Abroad, challenged journalists to go beyond the ordinary in the discharge 
of their duties by producing reports that could transform the society. He 
cited several instances across the world including the widely publicized 
Panama Papers where journalists through their stories got senior government 
officials to either resign or be prosecuted. In Ghana for instance, he cited 
the heroic effort of a journalist who, through undercover investigation, 
exposed corrupt judges who where consequently sacked and prosecuted.

In his paper, Law, Journalists and Flight Against Corruption, Gbemiga Ogunleye, 
Provost of Nigeria Institute of Journalism, NIJ, Lagos, lamented the nation's 
loss to corruption. He posited that Nigeria media was critical to building a 
better country and urged journalists to be factual in their reports. He said 
the Nigeria Constitution envisaged the importance of the Press and urged journalists 
to apply the law when necessary.

Osadolor Igiozee, in his paper, Electronic Media and Investigative Reporting, 
New  Trends and Opportunities  posited that journalists would have to be daring  
and fearless if they are to be successful in investigative reporting. He encouraged 
them to look beyond the immediate gains and apply modern tools and techniques.

https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2182-efcc-urges-journalists-to-be-frontlines-in-the-fight-against-graft

419 Coalition Comment:  Hey EFCC,in terms of the most infamous Financial
Crime emanating from Nigeria; and journalistic and educational efforts to
counter it; how about a mention of counter-419ing non-Nigerian NGO's?  
International Investigation Services (CEO Njall Hardarson) was the first
online NGO on the job back in 1996, followed a couple of months later by
us, the 419 Coalition.  IIS gave counter-419ing up as pointless about a
decade ago, but they did very good work for many years, but we at 419
Coalition are still here, of course.  Ultrascan Advanced Investigation
Services has done over a decade of good work, as has NExT Web Security
and Fraudaid.  And there are many more.  How come we never get thank-yous
or pats on the back from the Nigerian Government for a job well done? 
Collectively counter-419 NGO's have collectively educated Millions, if not 
Billions, of people on 419 Crime over the last 20 years, at no cost to the 
Nigerian Government.  One would think that the Nigerian Government would be 
grateful and at least slide some accolades our way, send us a few invitations
to counter-419 conferences, coordinate with us on a regular basis, maybe
send along a few $$ here and there to assist us in our very cost-effective,
efforts, send us a medal or two - but noooooooo..... what's up with that? :)
***************************************

16 NOV 2016
From the Punch, a Nigerian newspaper:

EFCC arraigns husband, wife for $120m fraud

Eniola Akinkuotu, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a married 
couple, Mr. Augustine Ezeama and Juliet Ezeama before Justice O. H. 
Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court Ikeja on seven counts of conspiracy 
and obtaining money under false pretences.

According to the EFCC, the couple had on May 6, 2015, obtained $30,570 
from a firm, CIFERCOM LLC under the pretext that the money was for registration 
of CIFERCOM LLC as a company in Nigeria preparatory to the award of an $8m 
contract to CIFERCOM LLC by the Federal Government.

One of the charges read, "That you, on Augustine Ezeama, Juliet Ezeama 
and Mabrubeni Nigeria Limited, on or about the 6th of May, 2015 in Lagos 
within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud, 
obtained the sum of $30,570 from CIFERCOM LLC under the false pretences 
that the money was for registration of CIFERCOM LLC as a company in Nigeria 
preparatory to the award of $8m contract to CIFERCOM LLC by the Federal 
Government of Nigeria, which representation you knew to be false."

They both pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

Justice Oshodi remanded the defendants in EFCC custody and subsequently 
adjourned the matter till November 21, 2016 for bail application.

Here is the URL of the article, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
http://punchng.com/efcc-arraigns-husband-wife-120m-fraud/
**********************************************

11 NOV 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):

EFCC Arrests Suspected Internet Fraudster

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested one 
Fasakin Festus Damilola for Internet fraud.

Fasakin, a French graduate of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, 
poses as Anthony Miller, Dave Mason and Bright Washington to deceive 
and defraud unsuspecting ladies in romance scam on the internet.

At the point of arrest, EFCC operatives recovered one Dodge Caliber 
Sxi car with registration number EKY-145EC, NYSC clearance/discharge 
letter, three copies of fake international passport data pages with 
different names and pictures, two drivers' license and suspected fake 
bank documents from him. 

The Commission got wind of his fraudulent activities through series 
intelligence. He is alleged to have fleeced different unsuspecting 
victims to the tune of Two Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira 
(N2, 200,000.00).

Fasakin uses the fake international passports to collect his loots 
at the Moneygram desk with the connivance of bank officials who allegedly 
collects 10% on each Moneygram transaction.

He will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is completed.

Here is the URL of the press release for
as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2166-efcc-arrests-suspected-internet-fraudster
**********************************************

10 NOV 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):

EFCC Arrests Suspected Love Scammer

The Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 
has arrested one Obohor John Damilola for Internet fraud. Obohor, a 
26-year-old student of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, fleeces 
unsuspecting victims on military dating sites while posing as Nigeria-based 
US Army Officer by the name Sergeant Frank Mcghee.

At the point of arrest, EFCC operatives recovered one voter’s card 
and a debit card bearing Obohor John Damilola from him.

The Commission got wind of his fraudulent activities through series of 
intelligence reports on his suspicious transactions in one of the branches 
of an old generation bank in Ado Ekiti, through which he received about 
Seven Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand, Seven Hundred 
and Ninety Nine Naira (N7, 453, 799.00) from victims.

The victims include one L. D Marte who lost Six Million, Two Hundred 
and Sixteen Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Two Naira (N6, 216,732) 
to the suspect. Others are P. Martinez, six Hundred and Seventy Two 
Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty Seven naira (N672, 887.00); E. Rosales, 
Thirty Thousand and Sixty Five Naira (N30, 065.00) and R. Rosario, 
Five Hundred and Thirty Four Thousand One Hundred and Fifteen Naira 
(N534, 115.00).

Obohor, who confessed to the crime, claimed he was forced to embrace 
the scam to raise money to finance his education.

He will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is completed.

Here is the URL of the press reslease for
as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2154-efcc-arrests-suspected-love-scammer
****************************************

9 NOV 2016
Fron the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):

EFCC Nabs Man for Impersonation

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 arrested a suspected fraudster, Elvis 
Yemaye for allegedly defrauding one A.J. Kuba, a Czech, to the tune 
of $19,534 (nineteen thousand, five hundred and thirty four US dollars.

The petitioner alleged that Yemaye in connivance with his cronies 
had swindled him of huge sum of money running to millions while 
threatening to release the recorded romance video of him to the public.

According to the complainant, Yemaye started his blackmail when the 
victim decided to back out from an earlier business of making him (Kuba) 
a beneficiary of his inheritance, a business he found out to be a scam.

Investigation into the matter revealed that, the suspect falsely represented 
himself to the unsuspecting Kuba as Chief Barrister Elvis Yemaye. He also 
parades himself as an official of both the EFCC and the Central Bank of 
Nigeria, CBN using various fictitious e-mails.

It was also discovered that the suspect claimed to be one Tommy Rex Jr. 
whose picture he used to lure his victim to sending money to him under 
the pretext of making him a beneficiary of his inheritance.

The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

Here is the URL of the press release for
as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2156-efcc-nabs-man-for-impersonation
******************************************

27 OCT 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):

EFCC Docks Man for N6.5m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, 
October 27, 2016 arraigned one Moses Godia Shipi, managing director, 
La Shipson Construction Nigeria Limited before Justice Hussein Baba-Yusufu 
of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja on a 16-count charge 
bordering on conspiracy, forgery and obtaining by false pretence to the 
tune of N6.5million.

Shippi allegedly conspired with one Harrison Ogar Job (at large) to 
defraud one Abiola Jacobs of Delmac Nigeria Limited of the said sum 
under the pretext that he had a contract for the supply of crude oil 
from the Nigerian National Petroluem Corporation, to Ghana.

The offence is in contravention of Section 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud 
and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of 
the same Act.

The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred 
against him.

Upon his plea, counsel to EFCC, Diane Nkwap urged the court to fix a 
date for trial to commence and asked that the accused person be remanded 
in prison custody.

But, Shippi’s counsel, Caleb N. Ramnap prayed the court to admit his 
client to bail adding that the offence is bailable.

Justice Baba-Yusuf admitted the accused person to bail in the sum of N5million 
with one responsible surety who must be a civil servant not below GL12 or any 
other person who has a landed property within the FCT.

The case has been adjourned to January 24, 2017 for hearing.

Meanwhile, one Okunmwendia Victor was also arraigned today before Justice 
P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court, Benin City on a three count charge 
bordering on fraud and obtaining by false pretense.

Okunmwendia 29, a graduate of Delta State university is alleged to have 
presented himself as Sister Julia Imoke, founder and coordinator of Happy 
Home Orphanage in his attempt to extort money from unsuspecting persons.

One of the counts reads, "that you Okunmwendia O. Victor "M" (alias 
Sister Julia Imoke of Happy Home Orphanage) and others now at large on 
or about the 24th of January 2016 in Benin city, Edo State within the 
jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud, did obtain 
the sum of 900 US Dollars from one Ada k. "F"  through Western union 
money transfer under the false pretence that you are sister Julia Imoke, 
the founder and coordinator of a non existing Happy Home Orphanage, a 
pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary 
to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences 
Act,2006 and punishable under Section 1(3)of the same Act".

The accused person pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

Counsel to the Commission, M T Iko asked the court to fix a date for trial 
and to remand the defendants in prison custody. Attempt by the defense counsel, 
Osman Idehen to move for bail was refused by the court.

Justice Ajoku adjourned the matter to November 16 for trial and ordered that 
the defendant be remanded in prison custody.
 
Here is the URL of the press release for
as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2133-efcc-docks-man-for-n6-5m-fraud
************************************

25 OCT 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission (EFCC):

EFCC Arraigns Driver for Duping Briton 182,064.99 Pounds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned 
a driver, Chinwoke Onyedinazu before Justice M. A. Liman of the 
Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for 
duping a Briton, Paul H., the sum of One Hundred and Eighty Two 
Thousand, Sixty Four Pounds, Ninety Nine Shillings (182, 064.99).

He was docked on a nine-count charge bordering on obtaining by 
false pretense.

Onyedinazu was a former driver of Mr. Paul while he was residing 
in Nigeria. In 2014, Onyedinazu reportedly proposed a fish farming 
business to the Briton and the latter accepted the proposal.

He later relocated to his country but kept faith with the business 
idea of his former driver and transferred the sum of 182,064.99 Pounds 
(equivalent of N60,000,000 at that time) to Onyedinazu.

However, the driver never pursued the business proposed to Henderson 
but diverted the money into his own use.

Count one of the charge read: "that you Chinweoke Onyedinazu on or about 
21st  day of October, 2014 in Port Harcourt within the jurisdiction of 
this honourable court, with intent to defraud deceitfully obtained the 
sum of Ninety-Five thousand Pounds (95,000:00) from Mr. Paul H. a British 
citizen, whom you obtained his money under false pretence that you were 
offered a contract of supply of fish to the Niger Delta Development 
Commission (NDDC), a pretext which you knew to be false and you fraudulently 
made it, with the intent that he may believe it, and he believed it and 
acted upon it as genuine, and you thereby committed an offence contrary 
to Section 1 (1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences A
ct 2006 and punishable by Section 1 (3) of the same law".

He pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, C. A. Okoli, asked for a date 
for the commencement of the trial and that the defendant be remanded in 
prison custody. However, defense counsel, O. Wonah applied for bail for 
his client pending trial. 

Okoli however opposed the bail application on the ground that the defendant 
had earlier jumped an administrative bail offered him by the Commission.

Justice Liman adjourned the matter to 27 October, 2016 for trial and ordered 
the defendant to be remanded in prison custody.

Here is the URL of the press release for as long
as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2128-efcc-arraigns-driver-for-duping-briton-182-064-99-pounds
********************************************

29 SEP 2016
From the NIgerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):

Internet Fraudster Bags Two Years Jail Term In Delta State

A Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State has convicted 
and sentenced to two years imprisonment one Ighofose Oyoma. Ighofose 
was first arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, on 3rd May, 2016 on a seven count charge bordering on Conspiracy, 
Forgery and Obtaining Money by False Pretence to the tune of Nine 
Thousand Two Hundred United States Dollars ($9,200).

Upon his arraignment, the convict pleaded not guilty to the charge,  
but later changed his plea to "guilty".

Justice E. A. Obile consequently convicted Ighofose and sentenced 
him to two years imprisonment with an option of N300,000.00 (three 
hundred thousand naira) fine to be forfeited to Federal Government. 
He also ordered that the payment receipt be deposited to the court 
registry.
 
Ighofose was arrested sometime in May, 2015 in Calabar, Cross River 
State following intelligence report on his involvement in internet scams.

During investigation different scam mails which he used in defrauding 
his victims, mostly foreign women by presenting himself as Mike Anderson, 
an American businessman, were recovered.

Count one of the charge reads: "that you Ighofose Oyoma (a k a) Mike 
Anderson on or about the month of May, 2014, at Warri, Delta State within 
the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did possess documents containing 
false representation as Mike Anderson, which said representation you made 
to Sandra 'M' and obtained the sum of $1,200 (USD) under false pretence, a
pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary 
to section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences 
Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the said Act".

Here is the URL of the press release for 
as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2082-internet-fraudster-bags-two-years-jail-term-in-delta-state
***********************************

23 SEP 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):

EFCC Arrests Two Internet Fraudsters

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 
the duo of Egbedayo Semilore and Elijah Jeremiah aka (Jerry), 
a self styled fashion Director of Datsol Industries Limited 
for alleged Internet fraud. While Semilore, 26, engages in 
Internet love scam, Jeremiah, 29, is a predator on online 
auction sites.

Semilore while posing as an Afghan based US Army officer with 
the names Sergeant Shaft Pagan and Perrie Edingson allegedly 
defrauded unsuspecting ladies. His last victim is one P. J. 
full names withheld), a US national from whom he claimed to 
have obtained about Four million naira (N4m) in tranches and 
bought himself a car.

Though arrested differently, the suspects have both made confessional 
statements. Jeremiah confessed to using fake instruments to order 
goods from China through online auction sites. According to him, he 
downloads Letters of Credit purportedly issued by Scotia Online 
Financial Services of Scotia bank worldwide from Google with which 
he pays for his purchases.

The auctioneers, unaware of his antics often fall victim of his 
game by shipping the goods to him ahead of confirmation of payment.

Semilore, during interrogation also confessed to have used proceeds 
of romance scam to sustain a flamboyant lifestyle and bought himself 
a 2010 Lexus car which he registered in his mother’s name.

Operatives recovered several items from the suspects. One laptop, 
three modems, one iphone  and two Nokia phones, international Passport, 
forged Union Bank Statement of Account with NUBAN number:10141411389  
for Datsol Industries Limited  and an envelope containing several 
documents were recovered from Jeremiah.

Also, three identity cards bearing different names and biodata,  a 2010 
Black Toyota Lexus car with registration number (Lagos) SMK 475 EH, two 
laptops and one Blackberry Passport phones  were recovered from Semilore.  
Several scam mails were also found and retrieved from his laptops.
They will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is completed.

Here is the URL of the Press Release for as long
as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2077-efcc-arrests-two-internet-fraudsters
*******************************************

27 AUG 2016
From the Nigerian newspaper, the Punch:

EFCC arrests five varsity students for N16m fraud

by Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested four 
students of Federal University of Technology, Akure, and one student 
of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, for their alleged role in 
N16m fraud.

The suspects are Adeleke Paul, 21; Adebiyi Abudu, 22; Akinsanmi Adeniyi 
21; Ogundile James, 23; and Okali Ugochukwu, 21.

A statement by the EFCC said the suspects were picked up at an off-campus 
residence  located at Anuoluwapo Close, Stateline Hotel Road, off FUTA South 
Gate, Akure, Ondo State.

The statement said that the commission got wind of the suspects' activities 
through intelligence.

The statement said, "Paul and his co-travelers, who go about with the 
name Tsunnami Gang and Young Pablo Money, allegedly swindled unsuspecting 
foreigners and others to the tune of N16m recently by engaging in fraudulent 
activities of obtaining money by false pretences through scam mails."

Paul is a 300 student of Building Technology while James and Olusola 
are both 400 level students of Agricultural Resources and Mathematics 
respectively. Okali is a 200 level student of Urban and Regional Planning, 
while Adebiyi Tayo is a 300 level student of Mathematics.

The statement added, "At the point of arrest, EFCC operatives recovered 
a 2006, black Toyota Highlander marked LND 112 EG; a 2010 Toyota Camry 
marked AAA 850 EF; laptops; three Apple iPhone 6; and three Blackberry 
phones from them.  Some implicating documents were also found and downloaded 
from their laptops."

The commission said that the suspects would be arraigned in court after 
investigation.

Here is the URL of the article, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
http://punchng.com/efcc-arrests-five-varsity-students-n16m-fraud/
*************************************

25 AUG 2016
From Vanguard, a Nigerian newspaper:

EFCC detains man over $145,000 love scam

By Soni Daniel 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, arrested 
one Iwuchukwu Martin Uche for obtaining money under false pretence to the 
tune of $145,000.

Uche, who claimed to be a military officer working for the North Atlantic 
Treaty Organization, NATO, in Kabul, Afghanistan allegedly, collected the 
money from his victim, H. Uyen, a Viatnamese woman, after promising to 
marry her.

The suspect, who also claimed to be a property agent operating in Nigeria 
and Ghana, allegedly told the victim that he needed the money to procure 
some documents for the planned wedding.

The money was allegedly wired to the suspect's Diamond Bank account 
number: 0028998256.

A statement by the Spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the suspect would 
soon be charged to court.

Here is the URL of the article, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/08/efcc-detains-man-145000-love-scam/
*********************************

18 AUG 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) website:

EFCC Arrests Fake Lamorde, Youth Corper and Five Others 
for Internet Scam 

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 
EFCC, have arrested a suspected impersonator posing as the 
former Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ibrahim 
Lamorde.

The suspect, Promise Tochi Nwalozie was arrested in Port Harcourt, 
Rivers State, in a sting operation that yielded the arrest of six 
other internet fraudsters. One of the fraudsters, Onukagba Uche 
Prosper, is a youth corps member serving in the Tai Local Government 
Area of Rivers State.

Nwalozie  was using the identity of Lamorde to send scam mails 
to foreigners, mostly Europeans and Americans and in the process e
xtorted sizeable amount of foreign currencies from them. His weapon 
of fraudulent interaction with his victims was a fake electronic 
copy of the identity card of the former EFCC's boss.  Besides, he 
was also posing as Barrister Peter Jackson, a spurious lawyer 
working with the National Judicial Council, NJC in Nigeria. As a 
lawyer, he was defrauding his victims by assuring them that he 
would help in the recovery of money lost to different Nigerian 
cyber fraudsters. To do this, Jackson was collecting various sums 
of money as service charges from his victims.  Some of his victims 
are: Betty. G. E, an American and Georgina M, an Australian.

In addition to all these, Nwalozie had multifarious electronic scam 
documents in various folders in his e-mail box,  ostensibly for the 
payment of a spurious N12,500,000.00( Twelve Million, Five Hundred 
Thousand Naira only) to one Robert Giese, an American, by the "Office 
of the Presidency, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja". To further 
deceive Giese, he swore to a fictitious "Affidavit Of Claim of 
Federal High Court of Nigeria" deposed to by a fake Justice Ibrahim 
Auta, OFR, on behalf of Giese.  The "Affidavit" was signed by a 
former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke. 
To achieve his fraudulent schemes, he had several e-mail addresses 
such as:sirpeterjackson@gmail.com,promisenwalozie@gmail.com, 
bigenoughforcare@gmail.com among others.

Aside Prosper, (youth corps member), five other internet scammers 
were arrested in the sting operation and they are: Onuoha Akachukwu 
Danhessy; Ohaji Ujunwa Raymond, a.k.a Francis Ray Emar;  Henry Onyebuchi 
Ogbonna; Eboh Emeka Emmanuel and Nwaorgu Chidi Precious. Prosper was 
involved in online dating scam, also known as romance scam. Through 
the scam, he defrauded unsuspecting foreign widows, mostly from Europe 
and America. His scam identity was Mark Fest, a United States soldier 
serving in Bulgaria. To perfect his fraudulent schemes, he secured a 
"business relationship" with one of the arrested fraudsters, Onuoha 
Akachukwu Danhessy, his cousin.

Danhessy was serving as an intermediary between him and one H. Macaulay, 
a Nigerian undergraduate at the Medical University, Varna, Bulgaria who 
was assisting him to collect and send proceeds of their criminality to 
Nigeria, through Western Union and Money Gram money . All the three 
victims of Prosper are Philippinos: Ivy P. S, ( $2,000); Mel R.( 800 
Pound Sterling ) and Lolita T. Danhessy has other ingenious schemes 
to his credit. In his romance scam, he had reportedly raked in a total 
sum of $50,000( Fifty Thousand United States Dollar)  from Maria J. Al, 
an American that he promised to marry.

Ohaji Ujunwa Raymond a.k.a Francis Ray Emar is another suspected 
impersonator who was sending scam e-mails to his victims in Europe 
and America in the name of Abubakar Malami (SAN), Attorney General 
and Minister of Justice and Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Finance. 
One of his victims, Georgina M, an Australian, lost $1,500( One 
Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars) to him. Other suspected scammers 
are Henry Onyebuchi Ogbonna, a member of a syndicate serving as a 
cashier to his group members, Eboh Emeka Emmanuel, another romance 
scammer  that duped a Dubai- based Philippino: E. F. Aquino of N500,000
( Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) and Nwaorgu Chidi Precious, another 
accessory to romance scam and cashier to Nwalozie.

All the suspects are in EFCC custody and would be charged to court soon.

Here is the URL of the Press Release, which includes a photo, for as long 
as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/index.php/news/2053-efcc-arrests-fake-lamorde-youth-corper-and-five-others-for-internet-scam
************************************

17 AUG 2016
From the New York Daily News, sent in by
Ultrascan AGI:

Man victimized in online romance stole $1.4M from two 
Pittsburgh-area employers

PITTSBURGH - A man federal prosecutors say was victimized 
in an overseas, online romance scam has pleaded guilty to wire 
fraud for stealing more than $1.4 million from two Pittsburgh-area 
companies whose funds he controlled.

Jeffery Plimpton, 59, acknowledged using more than $13,000 of 
the money he stole to pay his mortgage, and nearly $69,000 to 
pay credit card bills. But most of the money - nearly $1.39 million - 
was sent overseas "at the direction of a woman with whom he had 
an online relationship," Assistant U.S. Attorney Shardul Desai 
told a judge Wednesday. At least some of the money was sent 
to Malaysia.

Plimpton stole the money from Alpha Aromatics, a fragrance company, 
and a subsidiary, Pestco Professional Services, a pest control firm, 
while working as Alpha's controller from April 2014 until the thefts 
were discovered in an internal accounting review in December. Plimpton 
was fired then confessed stealing the money to company officials and, 
eventually, the FBI, Desai said.

Confronted by Alpha's chief operating officer, Plimpton "claimed he 
invested company funds in offshore accounts," Desai said. He's since 
repaid $50,000.

Plimpton, who now lives in Southaven, Mississippi, honestly believed 
the overseas money was to be invested by a woman he met online, public 
defender Linda Cohn told the judge.

"There's no indication that actually was a woman. That was someone 
Mr. Plimpton believed was a woman," Cohn told U.S. District Judge 
Nora Barry Fischer. "He also wants the court to know how truly sorry 
for his conduct he is, your honor."

Outside court, Cohn declined to further explain the situation.

The attorneys have agreed that federal guidelines call for a prison 
term of between 33 and 41 months when Plimpton returns for sentencing 
Dec. 15. The judge allowed him to remain free on bond until then.

Desai acknowledged that Plimpton's behavior was driven "pretty 
much by a romance fraud-type situation."

Desai wouldn't detail who wound up with the money overseas but "it's 
definitely fair to say the money's gone. It wasn't a legitimate person 
for the money to go to."

Online dating scams, particularly those involving overseas financial 
fraud, have become more common in recent years.

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center logged 12,509 victims of 
"Confidence Fraud/Romance" scams who lost more than $203 million last 
year. So far this year, the center has 7,462 complaints resulting 
in nearly $120 million in losses.

In April, Sigismond Segbefia, a native of Ghana who lived in Silver 
Spring, Maryland, was sentenced to two years in prison by a federal 
judge in Pittsburgh after pleading guilty to charges that he bilked 
a Pennsylvania woman he met online out of more than $220,000.

Segbefia, 29, used the name and address of an unwitting Pittsburgh-area 
postal worker to make his online identity seem more legitimate, but claimed 
to be a 55-year-old Australian who owned a western Pennsylvania medical 
supply business, authorities say. He got the woman to send him money 
by claiming he needed it to ship medical devices from his company 
to England.

In another con, Segbefia admitted he pretended to be a 51-year-old Army 
sergeant in Afghanistan. That online dating victim wired him more than 
$505,000 over six months.

Here is the URL of the article for as long as
it is good:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/man-victimized-online-romance-stole-1-4m-employer-article-1.2755267
***********************************

1 AUG 2016
From the BBC, UK:

Online fraud: Top Nigerian scammer arrested

A Nigerian behind thousands of online scams around the world has 
been arrested in the southern oil city of Port Harcourt, Interpol 
alleges.

The 40-year-old man, known only as "Mike" is alleged to head a network 
of 40 individuals behind global scams worth more than $60m (45m UK pounds).

His operations involved using malware to take over systems to compromise 
emails, as well as romance scams.

Nigeria's anti-fraud agency was also involved in the arrest. 

They are considered something of a joke by most of the millions of 
people who receive scam emails in their inbox every day - but they 
only have to be believed by a tiny percentage of people.

The numbers quickly add up, and the money which can be made by the 
online criminals is considerable.

In recent years the scam campaigns have become more malicious, involving 
hijacking someone's PC or luring naive internet users into believing 
they have found love online with the aim of emptying their bank accounts.

Although there is a thriving cottage industry of fraudsters in Nigeria, 
the reality is that scammers are based in every country.

Wherever criminals see an opportunity to make money, they will.

And they know that if they are careful in how they use the internet, 
they can cover their tracks and reduce their chances of identification.

"Mike" also allegedly ran a money laundering network in China, Europe 
and the US.

"The network compromised email accounts of small to medium-sized 
businesses around the world including in Australia, Canada, India, 
Malaysia, Romania, South Africa, Thailand and the United States," 
it said.

They would then send fake messages to buyers with instructions to make 
a payment to a bank account under their control.

The other strategy they used was to take over the email account of a 
high-level executive and give instructions to transfer money into a bank 
account they controlled.

The suspect and an accomplice, who was also arrested in the city, face 
charges including hacking, conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences.

They are currently out on bail as investigations continue, the statement said.

Here is the URL of the article for as long as it 
is good:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-36939751

This story was covered by the media worldwide, including
CNN in the US, and in the Nigerian media as well, of course.

Here is the official press release in this case from
from the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
website, dated 1 AUG 2016:

Ring Leader of Global Network Behind Thousands of Online Scams, 
Arrested in Nigeria

RIVER STATE, Nigeria – The head of an international criminal network 
behind thousands of online frauds has been arrested in a joint operation 
by INTERPOL and the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

The 40-year-old Nigerian national, known as 'Mike', is believed to be behind 
scams totalling more than USD 60 million involving hundreds of victims worldwide. 
In one case a target was conned into paying out USD 15.4 million.

The network compromised email accounts of small to medium businesses around 
the world including in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, Romania, South Africa, 
Thailand and the US, with the financial victims mainly other companies dealing 
with these compromised accounts.

Heading a network of at least 40 individuals across Nigeria, Malaysia and South 
Africa which both provided malware and carried out the frauds, the alleged 
mastermind also had money laundering contacts in China, Europe and the US who 
provided bank account details for the illicit cash flow.

Following his arrest in Port Harcourt in southern Nigeria, a forensic examination 
of devices seized by the EFCC showed he had been involved in a range of criminal 
activities including business e-mail compromise (BEC) and romance scams.

The main two types of scam run by the 40-year-old targeted businesses were 
payment diversion fraud – where a supplier’s email would be compromised and 
fake messages would then be sent to the buyer with instructions for payment 
to a bank account under the criminal’s control – and 'CEO fraud'.

In CEO fraud, the email account of a high-level executive is compromised and 
a request for a wire transfer is sent to another employee who has been identified 
as responsible for handling these requests. The money is then paid into a designated 
bank account held by the criminal.

'Mike' first came onto the law enforcement radar through a report provided to 
INTERPOL by Trend Micro, one of its strategic partners at the INTERPOL Global 
Complex for Innovation (IGCI) in Singapore. This, combined with actionable 
analysis and intelligence from Fortinet Fortiguard Labs in 2015, enabled 
specialists at the INTERPOL Digital Crime Centre, including experts from 
Cyber Defense Institute based at the IGCI, and the EFCC to locate the suspect 
in Nigeria, resulting in his arrest in June.

Abdul Chukkol, Head of the EFCC’s Cybercrime Section said the transnational 
nature of business e-mail compromise makes it complex to crack, but the arrest 
sent a clear signal that Nigeria could not be considered a safe haven for criminals.

"For a long time we have said in order to be effective, the fight against 
cybercrime must rely on public-private partnerships and international cooperation," 
said Mr Chukkol.

"The success of this operation is the result of close cooperation between 
INTERPOL and the EFCC, whose understanding of the Nigerian environment made 
it possible to disrupt the criminal organization's network traversing many 
countries, targeting individuals and companies," added Mr Chukkol.

Noboru Nakatani, Executive Director of the IGCI warned that BEC poses a 
significant and growing threat, with tens of thousands of companies victimized 
in recent years.

"The public, and especially businesses, need to be alert to this type of 
cyber-enabled fraud," said Mr Nakatani.

"Basic security protocols such as two-factor authentication and verification 
by other means before making a money transfer are essential to reduce the risk 
of falling victim to these scams."

"It is exactly through this type of public and private sector cooperation that 
INTERPOL will continue to help member countries in bringing cybercriminals to 
justice no matter where they are," concluded Mr Nakatani.

The 40-year-old, along with a 38-year-old also arrested by Nigerian authorities, 
faces charges including hacking, conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences. 
Both are currently on administrative bail as the investigation continues.

Here is the URL of the press release for as long as it
is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/index.php/news/2035-ring-leader-of-global-network-behind-thousands-of-online-scams-arrested-in-nigeria

419 Coalition note:  Good on all the agencies involved, and assume there
is a good reason the 419ers' full names are not given.....  however....
Bail for these fellas?  Hard to believe.....   good luck with that....
***************************************************

26 JUL 2016
From the Nigerian Ecomonic and Financial Crimes Commission
website:

EFCC to Arraign Suspected Fraudsters over $530,000 Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured the leave 
of a Kano High Court sitting Kano, to arraign the duo of Saminu Umar Ta'ambu 
and Ahmed Maiturare of the popular kantin kwari textile market, Kano for 
offences bordering on obtaining by false pretence. They allegedly used 
the name of Kano State government to induce a Swiss National, Mathias Hee, 
Owner of Okutex Ag, into supplying them with fabrics worth Five Hundred 
and Thirty Thousand US Dollars ($530,000)

Justice Dije Aboki gave the nod after hearing argument on the application 
for leave to prefer charge against the suspects by EFCC Counsel A.T. Habib. 
The leave is pursuant to Section 185(b) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The prime suspect Ta'ambu was alleged to have approached a Swiss National 
named Mathias Hee and owner Okutex Ag, a textile manufacturing company,  
around July, 2015 requesting for the supply of fabrics To the tune of Five 
Hundred and Thirty Thousand US Dollars ($530,000) under the pretext that 
he acted on behalf of Kano State Government and forged a document titled 
'Authorization to transfer to foreign account' purported to have been 
issued and signed by the authority of the Government of Kano State.

After the items were supplied, Ta'ambu failed to honour his part of the 
bargain and refused to remit the amount as agreed.

Justice Dije adjourned the matter to 5 October, 2016 for arraignment.

Here is the URL of the press release, which includes photos,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/index.php/news/2034-efcc-to-arraign-suspected-fraudsters-over-530-000-fraud
******************************************

26 JUL 2016
From the Nigerian Exonomic and Financial Crimes Commission
website:

EFCC Arrests Five Undergraduates Over N16 Million Internet Fraud

The EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Office, has arrested five suspected 
undergraduate scammers. Four from the Federal University of 
Technology Akure, (FUTA) and one from Adekunle Ajashin University, 
Akungba, (AAUA). They were picked up at an Off- Campus Residence 
located at Anuoluwapo Close, Stateline Hotel Road, off FUTA South 
Gate, Akure, Ondo State.

The suspects who are between the ages of 20 and 23 include: 
Adeleke Paul, 21, Adebiyi Tayo Abudu, 22, Akinsanmi Olusola Adeniyi 
21, Ogundile Ademola James, 23 and Okali Ugochukwu, 21.

The Commission got wind of their activities through series of 
gathered intelligence.

Paul and his co-travelers, who go about with the name Tsunnami Gang 
and Young Pablo Money allegedly swindled unsuspecting foreigners 
and others to the tune of Sixteen million naira (N16M) recently 
by engaging in fraudulent activities of obtaining money by false 
pretences through scam mails.

Paul is a 300 student of Building Technology while James and Olusola 
are both 400 level students of Agricultural Resources and Mathematics r
espectively. Okali is a 200 level student of Urban and Regional Planning, 
while Adebiyi Tayo is a 300 level Student of Mathematics of the Adekunle 
Ajashin University Akungba, Ondo State.

At the point of arrest, EFCC operatives recovered a 2006, black Toyota 
Highlander with registration number (Lagos) LND 112 EG, 2010 light-green 
Toyota Camry (Muscle) with registration number (Lagos) AAA 850 EF, 
laptops, three Apple iPhone 6 and three Blackberry phones from them.

Some implicating documents were also found and downloaded from their 
laptops.

They are to be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is completed.

Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/index.php/news/2033-efcc-arrests-five-undergraduates-over-n16-million-internet-fraud
***************************************

6 JUN 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
(EFCC) website:

Suspected Cyber Crooks Docked for $2,974 Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on June 6, 2016 
arraigned the duo of John Elijah Edet and Jeffery Ulu Orji before 
Justice U.N Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers 
State on an 8-count charge of internet fraud and obtaining by false 
pretence to the tune of Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy Four 
US Dollars ($2,974).

The accused persons were apprehended following an intelligence report 
on their alleged fraudulent escapades. Upon their arrest, various scam 
mails were printed from their laptops which they use in defrauding 
unsuspecting victims.

One of the count reads: "that you John Elijah Edet (alias Lars Ernest 
Eivinsen) and Jeffery Ulu Orji (alias Michael) and others now at large
on or about the 28th of December 2015 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State 
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire to commit 
felony to wit: obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed 
an offence contrary to Section 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other 
Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of 
the same Act".

Among others, one of the accused was alleged to have obtained the sum 
of $1,700 from one Renee M. through S. Alexander in the U.S via moneygram, 
while posing as a 50-year-old widower in search of a wife.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In view of their plea, the prosecution counsel, Ramiah Ikhanaede asked 
the court to fix a date for trial and to remand the accused persons in 
prison custody.

Justice Agomoh adjourned the matter to September  21, 27 and 28  for 
trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody.

Here is the URL of the press release, which includes pictures,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/index.php/news/1942-suspected-cyber-crooks-docked-for-2-974-scam
**************************************************

27 MAY 2016
From Nigeriatoday, a Nigerian news website, sent
in by Ultrascan AGI:

Evil Genius: Nigerian man nabbed in India for defrauding 
90 people via online lottery scam

A Nigerian man, Festus Abraham Igwe, has been arrested by the 
Cyber Crime Department of the Indian Police in Pune, after he 
allegedly defrauded over 90 people of various sums of money, 
through an online lottery scam, Indian Times reports.

The 43-year-old Igwe who resides in New Delhi, was accused 
of running 14 different accounts in reputed banks where the 
proceeds from his fraud were deposited.

The accused was arrested on Tuesday, May 24 and brought to Pune, 
and will be in police custody till May 31, when the case will be 
charged to court.

In a statement, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge 
of the Cyber and Economic Offence Wing, Deepak Sakore said, 
that investigation was initiated by the Pune Police after a 
woman lodged a complaint of losing Rs 16.18 lakh to fraudsters 
in January.

The statement reads:

"The woman received a mail in September 2015, informing her that 
she has won a lottery worth Rs 4.92 crore. She provided her bank 
and other details as asked in the mail.

The accused then called up the woman and asked her to deposit money 
from time to time under the pretext of various taxes and fees."

Igwe was to later meet with the woman at a hotel in the town and 
gave a bag, telling her that it contained US dollars and even took 
out four notes from the bundle which he applied some chemical on 
the notes to show its genuineness.

"He told her that since the chemical was over, he will have to 
procure it from the UK, so that remaining notes can be analysed. 
He then left by handing over the suitcase to the woman."

Sakore continued by saying that the woman took the notes to the 
foreign exchange, where she came to know that the suitcase contained 
cut to size plain papers.

After realising that she has been duped, the woman lodged a police 
complaint and Igwe was tracked and arrested him in New Delhi.

It was during investigations that it was realised that Igwe had duped 
several other people using the same scam.

Here is the URL of the article, which includes a photo of Igwe,
for as long as it remains good:
http://www.nigeriatoday.ng/2016/05/evil-genius-nigerian-man-nabbed-india-defrauding-90-people-via-online-lottery-scam-2/
*********************************************

27 MAY 2016
Yet another interesting article based on the Cormac 
Hurley (of Microsoft) study of 419 solicitation data
has recently come to our attention.  The article,
by Micheal Kassner, was posted in Tech Republic
(US) 30 JUL 2012.  It has too many tables and 
charts for us to reproduce here, so here is 
the URL, for as long as it is good:

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/it-security/the-truth-behind-those-nigerian-419-scammers/

This would seem to be a good time to mention 
again the position of 419 Coalition and many
others with expertise on 419, on the Hurley
study.  In brief, we feel that while the raw 
data is valid, the interpretation of it is
purely speculative, and inaccurate.  

For reference, here is what we had to say on this 
in our 2015 News section on 15 AUG, in commenting
on an article which apppeared in the Washington Post,
and our position has not changed in the matter:

419 Coalition comments:  We want to remind readers that 419 Advance
Fee Fraud is a Subset of Advance Fee Fraud in General.  419 Advance
Fee Fraud is defined as Advance Fee Fraud with a West African connection.
This connection can be the origination point of the fraud attempt, or it
can be the origination place of the 419er.  Thus, an Advance Fee Fraud
attempt originating, for example, from Outer Mongolia, would be 419 AFF
if the fraudster(s)themself were of West African origin or were locals
operating at the behest of a West African based 419 syndicate.

Also, this article appears to deal primarily with what is classed as
Classic 419.  As the reader of this site knows very well there are many,
many types of 419, such as Lottery 419 and Romance 419 to mention just
a couple of them.

Regarding Mr. Hurley's study, which maintains that 419ers deliberately
mention Nigeria in their solicitations in order to weed out the wary,
419 Coalition would like to mention that we, and many other experts in
the field like Ultrascan AGI, have found that in our experience quite
the opposite is the case - ie. most 419ers go to great lengths to NOT
mention Nigeria, or Nigerians in their solicitations; and that in 
general 419ers who Do mention Nigeria or Nigerians tend to do so primarily
for logistical reasons required by their local or main office operational
requirements.
***********************************************

16 MAY 2016
From The Sun Daily, a Malaysian newspaper, sent in by
a concerned Malaysian:

Woman ends up losing RM2m in online love scam

by Ashwin Kumar
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: An online love affair ended badly for a woman who lost 
RM2 million in an internet scam run by a local-Africa syndicate.

However, Federal CCID deputy director (Intelligence and Operations) 
SAC Roslan Abd Wahid told theSun, that acting on information, they 
swung into action and arrested three syndicate members in Taman Maluri 
in Cheras and Taman Megah in Kajang on Sunday.

He said the arrest of the two Nigerians and a local aged between 31 
and 56 in the raids held between 10pm and 1am had helped them solve 
some eight online romance scam cases with victims losing about 
RM2.1 million.

It is understood that the local suspect acted as a negotiator, courier 
service agent and a Customs Department officer in the syndicate.

Roslan said the victim, who is from Shah Alam, was duped into parting 
with RM2 million of her company's money.

Police also seized from the suspects seven ATM cards, six mobile phones, 
two laptops, RM11,533 cash and a car, believed to have been used by the 
syndicate to cheat their victims.

Meanwhile, in a separate press conference, Inspector-General of Police 
Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar warned members of the public to be more careful 
and not fall prey to the 'romance scam' run by the African syndicates 
who target both men and women.

When asked to comment on the latest arrest made in Cheras and Kajang, 
Khalid said police are still waiting for the woman to lodge a police 
report.

"There are actually a lot of 'romance scam' victims out there but they 
are probably too embarrassed to lodge a police report," he said after 
receiving a mock cheque worth RM80,000 from DRB-HICOM Berhad, which is 
sponsoring air conditioners for the mosque in Maktab Polis, Cheras here 
today.

He urged victims of the "romance scam" to come forward and lodge police 
reports.

Here is the URL of the article for as long as 
it is good:
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1804082

The Malaysian who sent in the article prefaced it in part with 
the following interesting remarks in his email:

"We have many Nigerians posing as students with visas residing 
in Kuala Lumpur.  One way or another I believe that all of these 
students did not come here to study but to form a network of scamming 
syndicates to con people from around the world and in particular 
Malaysians."
******************************************

9 MAY 2016
From Newsweek (newsweek.com) comes a very interesting
and entertaining article brought to our attention by 
Ultrascan AGI:

The Origins of Nigeria's Notorious 419 Scams

By Stephen Ellis 

Nigerian scammers are generally regarded as pioneers in the sending 
of mass letters, messages and emails seeking to defraud any recipient 
foolish and greedy enough to fall for their tricks, although all the 
signs are that the practice has now spread worldwide. Nigerians call 
scams like these "Four One Nine," so called by reference to Article 
419 of the country's criminal code, which concerns fraud.

Yet Nigeria's 419 scammers have a far longer pedigree than most people 
realise. The first properly documented 419 letter dates from 1920 and 
was written by one P. Crentsil to a contact in the British colony of 
the Gold Coast, today's Ghana. Crentsil launched into a long description 
of the magical powers that were in his possession and that could, on 
payment of a fee, be used to the benefit of his correspondent. Crentsil 
signed himself "P. Crentsil, Professor of Wonders."

According to the evidence at hand, "Professor" Crentsil has to be 
regarded as the first-known exponent of the modern 419 fraud. He 
seems to have written a number of similar letters, each time offering 
to provide magical services on payment of a fee. In December 1921, 
he was charged by the police with three counts under various sections 
of the criminal code including section 419, the one to which Nigerians 
make reference when they speak of "Four One Nine." But Crentsil was 
in luck: the magistrate presiding over his case discharged him with 
a caution on the first count and acquitted him on the two others for 
lack of corroborating evidence, as a result of which "he (Crentsil) 
is now boasting that he got off owing to his 'juju' powers," reported 
the Chief of Police in Onitsha Province. The same officer stated that 
he had known Crentsil for some years, during which time the "Professor" 
"had slipped through the hands of the police so often that I shall 
soon, myself, begin to believe in his magic powers."

There is no way of knowing how many similar cases may have occurred, 
but the colonial authorities became sufficiently concerned by the 
number of letters addressed to Nigerians from outside the country 
soliciting money for what the British regarded as fraudulent purposes 
that they started to intercept items of what was called "charlatanic 
correspondence." The Director of Posts and Telegraphs made clear 
that this term embraced adverts concerning "medicines of potency, 
and unfailing healing power, lucky charms, love philtres, magic 
pens with which examinations can be passed, powders and potions 
to inspire personal magnetism, remove kinks from hair-or insert 
them-counteract sterility and ensure football prowess." The Posts 
and Telegraphs department recorded 9,570 such items in 1947, by 
which time the amount of money returned to senders was some 1,205
UK pounds. 

In the mid-1940s there was a spate of financial scams perpetrated 
by people known as "Wayo tricksters," some of whom were operating 
a trick that involved posing as agents of a "New York Currency Note 
Firm," selling to a gullible victim boxes of blank paper with a 
promise that this could be turned into banknotes by application 
of a special chemical.

Behavior of a sort that British officials probably would have 
classified as charlatanic was sometimes recorded on the part 
of the relatively few Nigerians who travelled overseas at that 
time. One of these was one Prince Modupe, who spent years in the 
United States under a variety of fantastical guises. In 1935 he 
was in Los Angeles presenting himself as a graduate of Jesus 
College, Oxford, although Oxford University had no record of 
him. In March 1947 he appeared on the bill at the San Francisco 
Opera House under the name His Royal Highness Prince Modupe of 
Dubrica. Seven months later he was still in San Francisco, now 
claiming to be the "Crown Prince of Nigeria" and representing 
himself as a successful businessman who had obtained a variety 
of commercial contracts. Modupe seems to have been in effect 
a professional confidence trickster. Nor was he the only Nigerian 
operating in this field in the United States. Another was Prince 
Peter Eket Inyang Udo, a businessman who lived in America and 
Britain for some seventeen years. Eket Inyang Udo attracted the 
attention of the colonial authorities not only on account of his 
dubious commercial practices but also because of his political 
ideas and connections.

Some of Nigeria's new breed of chancers began at a young age. 
In 1949, the U.S. consul-general in Lagos reported the existence 
of one "Prince Bil Morrison," who turned out to be a 14-year old 
boy who specialized in writing to correspondents in America to 
solicit funds. The police remarked that this case was just "one 
more in which generous, but possibly gullible, American citizens 
have allowed themselves to be taken in by African schoolboys." 
The consul-general wrote: "These young Nigerians are stated by 
the police to be excellent psychologists," noting that their 
practice of writing to people in the United States and Canada 
for money was "widespread." Frauds by Nigerian students in the 
United States and Canada in the late 1940s were said to include 
the offer for sale of diamonds, ivory and other exotic luxuries.

This piece is an extract from the late Stephen Ellis's book: 

"This Present Darkness: A History of Nigerian Organized Crime"

The book is published by Hurst in London and by Oxford University 
Press in New York.

Here is the URL of the article for as long as it is
good:
http://www.newsweek.com/origins-nigerias-notorious-419-scams-456701?rx=us

419 Coaliion note:  This article and extracts from it were reprinted
in various publications all over the world, including in the Nigerian 
media.  One will note that the spurious "Spanish Letter" origin theory
for 419 is not mentioned in the above.  Interestingly, 419 Coalition
has in the past heard from Nigerians who were quite irate that 419ers
were thought to be copying anyone else, including those who perpetrated
old "Spanish Letter" frauds etc., arguing that Nigerians and Africans were
quite capable of coming up with 419 all by themselves without having to
copy Anyone  :) What actually happened regarding the "Spanish Letter"
thing was that an early journalist on 419 wrote an article that said
the 419ers were copying the old "Spanish Letter" scams, with no proof
whatever for that statement, and it kind of stuck.  To repeat, there 
is no proof whatever that the early 419ers ever copied anyone else's
modus operandi.  The most likely very distant origin for 419 is probably
the traditional "red mercury" scam (a form of "wash-wash" and later
"black currency 419"); and of course 419 did not really take off as
a major omnipresent criminal enterprise until the 1980's and especially
the 1990's.
*********************************

3 MAY 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
(EFCC) website:

Internet Scam: Fraudster Bags Two Years Imprisonment

A Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State has convicted 
and sentenced to two years imprisonment, Osayemi Dumi. Dumi was 
arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
on a 4-count charge bordering on money laundering and obtaining 
money by false pretence to the tune of N26, 200 ,0000 (twenty 
six million, two hundred thousand naira).

Upon his arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to the 4-count charge, 
but later changed his plea to guilty. His latest plea changed the 
course of the trial.

Justice E. A. Obile convicted Dumi and sentenced him to two years 
imprisonment on the  4-count charge, with an option of N200,000.00 
(two hundred thousand naira) fine. He ordered the evidence of the 
two vehicles confiscated from him upon his arrest to be filed in 
the registry of the court.

Meanwhile, Dumi's co- accused person, Rose Bawa and her company 
(Ladocas Integrated Services Limited), who were originally arraigned 
together, on the same 4-count charge of money laundering and obtaining 
money by false pretence  to the tune of N26, 200,000.00( Twenty- Six 
Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira only), stuck to her "not guilty" 
plea.

Dumi's ordeal started when he was arrested on March 6, 2015 by 
operatives of the EFCC,  at Neduragbo Close,  Ife Ugbeji Road, 
Warri, Delta State following a tip-off about his suspicious 
flamboyant lifestyle.

At the time of his arrest, the following items were recovered from 
him: a 2011 C350 Mercedes Benz car and a Toyota Venza. Dumi who claimed 
to be a 'Yahoo Boy', confessed to have duped one Stephanie, an American 
lady, the sum of $75,000, with which he acquired some of the seized 
properties.

His co-accused person, Bawa, whose trial continues, was alleged 
to have benefited from the proceeds of his heist.

Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good: 
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/index.php/news/1875-internet-scam-fraudster-bags-two-years-imprisonment
**********************************

17 MAR 2016
From Elombah.com a UK based Nigerian news and commentary
website:

Court jails teenage scammer 37yrs for duping American $40m 

Justice Lateef Lawal Akapo of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja  
on Wednesday convicted a 19-year old secondary school leaver, 
Tobechukwu Igbokwe and sentenced him to 37 years imprisonment 
for defrauding an American,  a sum of $40million( Forty Million 
United States Dollars) in an inheritance scam.

The convict was arraigned before the court on a 12- count charge 
bordering on scam, forgery, conspiracy and obtaining money by false 
pretences. 

Justice Akapo found him guilty on all 12-counts and sentenced 
him accordingly.

He was sentenced to 7 years on counts 1-8; 8 years on count 9; 
7 years on count 10, 8 years on count 11 and 7 years on count 12, 
making a cumulative of 37 years imprisonment. 

The sentence is to run concurrently with effect from October 28, 
2013. 

The court also ordered Igbokwe to return the $40 million as 
a restitution to the victim and forfeit a Toyota Corolla car, 
which is a proceed of the crime, to the Federal Government 
of Nigeria.

Igbokwe was arraigned on Monday, October 28, 2013 and pleaded 
not guilty to the 12-count charges pressed against him. 

He later changed his plea to "guilty" and was convicted by 
Justice Akapo accordingly. 

Before the conviction, the prosecuting counsel, Kayode Oni tendered 
various exhibits before the court which were all admitted and marked 
as such. 

However, defence counsel, D. A. Omougbai prayed the court to temper 
justice with mercy, since Igbokwe has shown enough remorse for the 
offences he committed. 

Tobechukwu Igbokwe (Alias David Prince) and his accomplice, Ifeanyi 
Obi were alleged to have duped an American: M. Silva, the sum of 
$40 million in an inheritance scam. Silva was made to believe that 
Igbokwe and his accomplice had a huge inheritance which they wanted 
to move to a foreign account for safe-keeping.

The victim was asked to send money to "process" the transfer and 
in the process, he wired $40m in several installments through 
Western Union to Igbokwe.

Igbokwe also confessed that he had duped other foreigners. Some 
of them are: T. Bedwell, $6,000 and R. Hunt $15,000.

Here is the URL of the article, which includes a photo, for as 
long as it is good:
http://elombah.com/index.php/reports/6018-court-jails-teenage-scammer-37yrs-for-duping-american-40m

There is also an undated press release on this on the EFCC website.

419 Coalition note:  We sure hope the victims in this case
do better on their court ordered restitition than the victim
did in the famous Odiawa case - where around $2 million in
restitution was ordered, and a decade or so later the victim
has not received one penny to date in restitution......
************************************************

7 MAR 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) website.  The EFCC still has 
not resumed putting the posting date on their
news releases, but this news item includes dates:

EFCC Arraigns One for Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on March 
7th 2016 arraigned one Bolaji Quadri (aka Philip Coffert) before 
honorable Justice Oluwatoyin  Ipaye of  the Lagos State High Court 
on  a 6-count charge of forgery and obtaining money under false 
pretence.

The defendant allegedly duped one Raedeena Collins of the sum of 
$1000 by falsely claiming to be on Phillips Coffert.

At the point of his arrest, several fraudulent documents were found 
in his possession including forged cashier's cheque from international 
banks in both United States and United Kingdom.

One of the charge reads that "you Bolaji Quadri (a.k.a Philip Coffert)  
on or about the 5th day of March 2015 in Lagos, within the Ikeja Judicial 
Division by false pretence and with intent to defraud obtained the sum 
of $1000 (One Thousand US Dollars)  from one Raedeena Collins by falsely 
representing to her that you are Philip Coffert which pretence you knew 
to be false and thereby committed an offense contrary to section 1(3) 
of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No.14 2006".

Bolaji pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

In view of the plea of the defendant, Zainab Etu, the prosecution counsel 
asked the court for a trial date. However, the defence counsel,  Gbenga 
Osho informed the court that he wished to file a bail application for 
client and hope same would be heard on the next adjourned date.

Justice Ipaye adjourned the matter to 3rd and 4th May 2016 for the 
commencement of trial and hearing of bail application. She ordered 
that the defendant be remanded in prison custody.

Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/index.php/news/1777-efcc-arraigns-one-for-fraud
********************************************

4 MAR 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) website.  Since the EFCC has inexplicably
recently stopped putting the date of publication on their 
online press releases, the date above is approximate, 
though from the article itself one can infer that this 
was posted up around 29 FEB 2016:

Fraudster Bags 7 Years Jail Term

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday February 29, 
secured the conviction of one Mfon Obot Essien (alias David Morris, 
Femi James) at the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere. Justice R. A. 
Adebiyi convicted Essein on all the Six count charge preferred against 
him by the EFCC and sentenced him accordingly.

The convict was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for attempting 
to defraud the family of one  Shaliseon Warren by claiming that their 
daughter Shaliseon was kidnapped and the kidnappers were demanding 
a ransom of $7,000 USD.

The sentences are to run concurrently, starting from the day 
of his arrest. 

The convict's journey to prison started when the Commission received 
a petition dated the 29th day of July 2013, from  the United States 
Department of Homeland Security, seeking its assistance to investigate 
a transnational criminal organisation involved in drug smuggling, money 
laundering and fraud activities. It stated that a family, whose daughter 
travelled to Argentina, got a call from her boyfriend that they had both 
been kidnapped and a ransom of $7000 was demanded by the kidnappers who 
wanted the money sent to their associates in Nigeria with the following 
details "David Morriso,302 Apapa Expressway, Ikeja Lagos.

Investigations revealed there was no kidnap but the lady in question 
was actually arrested by Argentinean Authorities for attempting to smuggle 
Cocaine out of Argentina. She claimed that her boyfriend, a Nigeria convinced 
her to do so. The Homeland Security agents had sought the assistance of Money 
gram to issue a false funds credit which led to the arrest of the convict by 
the EFCC when he went to receive the money.

Essien was picked up on the 5th day of September 2013 at the Ikota branch 
of Access Bank Plc after identifying himself as David Morris.

Upon his arrest incriminating documents were found in his possession, 
including a forged Drivers License bearing the name James Femi but with 
his picture.

Further investigation revealed that on July 26, 2013, Essien received the 
sum of N237,537.68k from one Mark Mentor with another forged Drivers License  
bearing the name David Morris but with his picture having falsely represented 
himself to the said Mark Mentor as David Morris.

Upon his arraignment on December 17, 2013, the convict pleaded "not guilty" 
to all the charges but later changed his plea on November 24, 2015 to amended 
information.

Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/index.php/news/1758-fraudster-bags-7-years-jail-term
********************************

4 MAR 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) website.  Since the EFCC stupidly
has recently for some reason stopped putting the date
of publication on their online press releases, the 
date above is approximate:

EFCC Arrests A Suspected Internet Fraudster

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested 
one Tonwerigha Oyintonbra Tombrown for allegedly duping an Irish 
businesswoman, Izabela Glogowska to the tune of Euros 53,000 
(equivalent of N11.6 million) in an Internet scam.

Glogowska alleged that Tombrown who posed as a prominent online 
trader, Michael Freeman, tricked her into sending him Euros 1,000 
via Western Union/Money gram as payment for a business deal.

She added that he later pretended to be one Ben Andrews demanding 
for an additional €10,000 claiming that there was a policy change. 
The same Andrews advised her to send the money to Tombrown in Nigeria, 
who ended up diverting the money to a fake account.

Efforts to recover her money proved abortive, hence she petitioned 
the EFCC.

The suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigations 
are concluded.

Here is the URL of the press release, which includes
a photo, for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/index.php/news/1775-efcc-arrests-a-suspected-internet-fraudster
**************************************

27 FEB 2016
The Kathmandu Post, Nepal, has published an article
on Cybercrime in general, and Cybercrime directed directly
against Nepal in particular, by Dipesh Khatiwada.  It was 
sent in to us by Ultrascan AGI.  While too long to be posted
in its entirety here, we have put up the sections dealing
directly with 419 AFF crime, and the URL of the complete
article is given at the bottom of this news item:

Into the dark web 

With the spike in the number of internet users in Nepal, 
cybercrimes are also on the rise

In the six months of the current fiscal year there have been as many 
as 361 reported cybercrimes, with most of these cases centralised in 
the Kathmandu Valley and in the Central Development Region. Spokesperson 
of the Nepal Police, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Madhav Joshi informs, 
"The case hearings on cyber-related issues, so far, are only conducted 
by the Kathmandu District Court. This may be the cause cyber crime is 
unrecorded in the mid-west and the far-west." Police investigators 
confirm that they deal with as many as 20 cases related to cybercrimes 
on a daily basis. Around 300 victims filed reports with the MPCD during 
the last fiscal year. There were only 91 such cases reported in 2013-14 
(2070-71 BS).

There are examples of other cases of organised cybercrime in Nepal, 
one of which is the one commonly known as the Nigerian 419 scam. The 
police reported that at least 38 people were affected by the scam within 
the last three years, and have arrested 16 people, including one Nigerian 
and two Pakistani nationals, on charges of the scam where fraudsters 
send text messages or emails congratulating the recipient on winning 
a lottery. "If the fraudster receives a response, they demand the recipient 
deposit money to banks in India. They promise the victims a large sum in 
prize money if they make a small up-front payment. After receiving this 
payment, the fraudster simply disappears by switching off their mobile 
phone, or continues to ask the victim to provide further fees," informs 
Inspector Ray.

Here is the URL of the complete article for as long as
it is good:
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2016-02-27/into-the-dark-web.html
************************************

23 FEB 2016
Sent in from the International Business Times (UK)
by Ultrascan AGI:

Ginuwine: Pony singer slams Nigerian '419' scammers using him 
for fraud

By Toyin Owoseje

R'n'b legend Ginuwine has hit out at online scammers after becoming 
an unwitting accomplice to their schemes. The 45-year-old raised the 
alarm on social media on Tuesday (23 February) and distanced him from 
a string of cybercrimes after it emerged that the offenders had been 
using his name to reach out to unsuspecting people and con then out 
of their money.

Sharing a screenshot of a fake Facebook account under his real name, 
Elgin Baylor Lumpkin, the father-of-eight wrote: "I'm being told 
someone is using my name to trick people into giving money. This is 
not me!" He added: "It's a Nigerian scam going on so if anyone on 
any page that has my name ask for money curse they ass out people 
will do anything for a dollar it's crazy."

While some of the Pony hitmaker's 385K followers empathised with 
the star, others did not appreciate him painting such as negative 
picture of the West African nation by describing the criminal act 
as a 'Nigerian scam'. Following a barrage of complaints, he apologised 
for his remark and deleted the offending post.

"My apologies to those I offended I wasn't speaking about all Nigerians 
there's a scam being done on this page of Facebook and it is for a fact 
someone who is asking for money and giving an address that is in Nigeria 
it could be anyone tho not necessarily a Nigerian.

He added: "A man can admit when he made a mistake my apologies again 
blessings. But still if you are on this page and someone ask you for 
money give them the business lol peace."

Although online fraud occurs all over the world, some of the top scam 
countries include China, Malaysia, Russia and Nigeria. In 2014, Dutch 
investigation firm Ultrascan estimated that that Nigeria-based cybercrime 
is costing around $9.3 billion (5.5bn UK pounds) globally each year.

Here is the URL of the article for as long as
it is good:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ginuwine-pony-singer-slams-nigerian-419-scammers-using-him-fraud-1545578

419 Coalition Note:  We'd like to mention that if there is an
advance fee fraud crime attemped or committed, and that a Nigerian
address is given by the criminals, it is indeed 419 since there is
a West African, specifically Nigerian in this case, aspect of the
crime.
*********************************************

18 FEB 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC)
website:

EFCC Docks One for Fraud 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on February 
18, 2016 arraigned one Francis A. Igo before Justice S. K Idrisu 
of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano on a four-count charge 
bordering on obtaining by false pretence.

Igo's arrest and subsequent arraignment followed a petition by one 
Dr. Aliero Shehu Usman of Ministry of Finance, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi 
State.

The petitioner alleged that sometime in October, 2012 he got a 
call from one Engr. Yusuf who claimed to be an employee of Power 
Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, Jalingo, that he had been awarded 
a contract to supply some solar kit Model 10a to National Integrated 
Power Project (NIPP), Abuja.

According to Usman, Igo introduced him to one Professor Williams, 
who claimed to be the Director, Finance and Supply of NIPP where 
he was told to register with a certain amount before he could get 
the supply.

The petitioner alleged that after paying the required amount into 
the account supplied by the accused, he could still not deliver 
on his promises.

Igo and his accomplice, who operate as syndicate, were alleged to have 
in a similar fashion defrauded several unsuspecting victims of their 
hard earned income.

One of the counts reads:

"That you, Francis A. Igo, Engr Yusuf (at large), Prof Williams 
(at Large) and Bernand Omale (at Large), sometime in November, 
2012 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court with intent 
to defraud did obtain the sum of N250,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty 
Thousand naira only) through the GTBank Plc. Account N0. 0122206505 
belonging to Francis A. Igo from Said Abdullahi under the false 
presence that you work with the National Integrated Power Project 
and you wanted him to supply some RING to the said project which 
presence you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence 
contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of Advance Fee Fraud and other Related 
Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act."

The accused person pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.

In view of his plea, counsel to EFCC, Salihu Sani asked the court for 
a date to commence trial and also to remand the accused person in prison 
custody.

Jusdtice Idrisu ordered the accused person to be remanded in prison 
custody and adjourned to March 8, 2016 for hearing on the bail application 
and commencement of trial. 

Here is the URL of the press release for as long as
it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/index.php/news/1742-efcc-docks-one-for-fraud
**********************************************

12 FEB 2016
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
website:

Five in EFCC Net for Internet Scam

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, 
on February 12, 2016 arrested five suspected fraudsters who specialized 
in internet scam popularly known as “yahoo yahoo”.

The suspects - Okunmwendia Victor, Wowo Odeworitse David, Isaac Otete, 
Iyera Emmanuel and Ovanerita Samuel, between the ages of 20 and 26 were 
rounded up at their different hide-outs during a sting operation.
 
While Victor was arrested at 19 Owina Street Benin City, Edo State, 
the other suspects: David, Otete, Emmanuel and Samuel were apprehended 
at 4, Lucky Street, Osubi, Warri, Delta State.
 
Some of the items recovered from them include: seven different types of 
laptops, several smart phones, international passport, various cheque 
books, flash drives and different types of internet modems.
 
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Here is the URL of the press release for as long as
it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/index.php/news/1738-five-in-efcc-net-for-internet-scam
*********************************************

15 JAN 2016
The New York Times Sunday Review had a lengthy article
on romance and "sextortion" scams by Kate Murphy, in which
she mentions West Africa specifically as a source of such
criminal operations.  This article was brought to our attention
byt Ultrascan AGI.  

Here is the URL of the article for as
long as it is good:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/17/sunday-review/in-online-dating-sextortion-and-scams.html?_r=1
******************************************

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