In early January 2022, the EFCC has changed its domain name from
efccnigeria.org (which it has been for many years) to efcc.gov.ng
The effect of this is that any links To pages and articles on their
website that use efccnigeria.org as the domain, do not work. This
is a Kazillion of links to their site out in internet-land that no
longer work.
Either every single link to all of these articles and pages will
have to be changed and updated to the new domain ( efcc.gov.ng )
by every single site or webpage which linked to the old domain
( efccnigeria.org ) OR the EFCC will have to make Every Single
Page on its site accessible via BOTH the old and the new domains.
In short, the two domains will have to be made universally equivialent,
so that in effect, for all practical purposes, one is the same as
the other.
419 Coalition knows this can be done, as we did it on our Own site
when we changed our domain from home.rica.net/alphae/419coal to
419Coalition.org .
To be blunt, so far the "rollout" of this new domain by the EFCC
has been an absolute disaster for the agency, given that it has
kaputed Many Thousands of links to the EFCC site internet-wide.
We've told them this in no uncertain terms and have told them
they need to Fix this problem quickly so that ALL the links -
old domain and new domain - to their site and pages therein work.
We await developments..... but are not hopeful
***************************************
29 DEC 2017
From enternigeria.com, a Nigerian website, brought to our
attention by a concerned Nigerian:
Meet your 'Nigerian prince.' Police say he's behind hundreds of scam emails
Anyone with an email address has likely gotten a message from a Nigerian prince
or two offering hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars in secret
inheritances or, in some cases, payment for assistance laundering ill-gotten
gains from mining conglomerates or royal treasuries [this is only one type of
many, many types of West African, primarily Nigerian, 419 Advance Fee Fraud].
Police in Slidell, Louisiana, say they finally caught up with one of the people
behind some of those emails. He's not exactly Nigerian royalty, either, police
wrote in a Facebook post.
Michael Neu, 67, of Slidell, Louisiana, [who is a Caucasian, and a US citizen
419 Coalition believes] faces 269 counts of wire fraud and money laundering
following an 18-month investigation, police wrote. They say Neu took part in
hundreds of financial transactions involving phone and online scams to con
money from people across the United States.
In these scams, the supposed Nigerian prince (or other official) asks for
the person's personal banking information in order to speed the transfer
of the purported inheritance or temporarily hold the allegedly pilfered funds
[this version of 419 is often called 'Classic 419' and, once again, is only
one of many, many types of 419 and 419 'tales']. The information can then be
used to withdraw funds from the victim's accounts [now, this is simply not
accurate. 419ers do NOT routinely "reach into" a target's accounts and withdraw
money unbeknownst to the target. 419ers persuade the target to VOLUNTARILY
send monies to them. That is 419er standard operating procedure. The "reach
into the target's accounts" thing has always been largely a canard, though
we do note that there are very rare instances where that may be the case].
While Neu might lack a royal title, at least some of the money obtained
in his scams did go to co-conspirators in Nigeria, police wrote [this West
African connection is what makes this a 419 AFF "Nigerian Scam" case].
Investigators are continuing to untangle Neu's web of scams, but many other
leads also connect to people outside the U.S., the post says.
Police noted that while these kinds of emails are laughable to many people,
authorities report millions of dollars in losses to such scams each year
[in fact, that would be hundreds of millions per annum in the US alone].
"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," said Police Chief Randy
Fandal in the Facebook post. "Never give out personal information over the phone,
through e-mail, cash checks for other individuals, or wire large amounts of money
to someone you don't know. 99.9 percent of the time, it's a scam."
Here is the URL of the article, which includes photos and
additional materials, for as long as it is good:
http://www.enternigeria.com/2017/12/29/meet-your-nigerian-prince-police-say-hes-behind-hundreds-of-scam-emails/
This news story was widely reported in the US and international
media.
419 Coalition note: The remarks in brackets [ ] are made by 419
Coalition, and were not part of the original article.
*****************************************
12 JUL 2017
From the Punch, a Nigerian newspaper:
Internet fraudsters hijack police Facebook page
to recruit members
Afeez Hanafi
Suspected Internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo boys, have
turned the Facebook page of the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria
Police Force into an avenue to advertise their skills.
The suspects, through a series of comments, demanded between N5,000
and N50,000 from those who wanted to learn classified sites for defrauding
people, especially foreigners, and offered options of online, as well as
physical teaching platforms.
Hundreds of persons, including students, graduates and ladies, indicated
interest in learning the skills for making quick money and provided their
mobile numbers on the SFU Facebook page.
The comments were reactions to a post by the SFU sensitising the public
to Internet fraud.
The unit in the post tagged, 'Common Tricks Yahoo boys use to Swindle
Foreigners Revealed,' had warned people against falling victims of the
fraudsters.
The post read in part, "One of the tricks they use in swindling
foreigners is called 'Freestyle.' The Freestyle trick is the simplest
and it is common among starters. Applying Freestyle trick, all you
need to do is to open an account in any of the popular dating sites
and look for someone to fall in love with you; afterwards, he or she
starts paying your bills, sending hard currency."
"Also, one of the major tricks, Yahoo and Sakawa boys are using to
perpetuate this act is 'Over Payment.' The Over Payment trick requires
a lot of processes. The Yahoo boy who uses this trick pretends to be
a prospective buyer by logging into any of the popular Internet classified
sites, after which he offers the person who he is buying from, a cheque
as a mode of payment."
"In this case, Yahoo boys have a way of persuading the seller to send
the excess after issuing an over payment cheque. With this trick, a Yahoo
boy can buy goods worth $1,000 and issue a cheque of $5,000. What the Yahoo
boy is interested in is not the goods he claimed to be interested in, but
the excess money that will be sent to him after the cheque must have been
cashed."
The update concluded with a slogan 'Say No to Fraud;' but what trailed
the slogan was brazen defiance to the police warning, with commentators
boasting of their mettle in various Internet scam sites.
The comments had reached over 1,762 with 158 shares as of 8.17pm on Tuesday.
In one of his comments, one Thomas Joshua, wrote, "If you are interested
in G (Yahoo yahoo), message me ASAP (as soon as possible) via +2349021933459.
Tutor fee is 5k (N5,000). I will teach you how to make cool money in a week
and if you have interest in hacking, wire transfer, ATM card hacking etc.,
message me ASAP."
One Kingxam Millionz stated that he ran tutorials on classified sites such
as Dating, Spamming, Next of kin, Letgo and Grant, among others, with a fee
ranging from N5,000 to N15,000.
Another poster, Stev Emmanuel, gave out his email address and phone number,
07064229454, to intending members, saying "Hello dear friends, for those
that want to be Yahoo boys, here comes your opportunity."
One Desmanking Destiny, who replied Emmanuel on the SFU platform, said he
was "100 per cent serious" to learn the skill.
A graduate, Ajisafe Adekunle Olowolayemo, said he was jobless and was
desperate to go into cybercrime.
He wrote, "Please, I'm a graduate of Marine Engineering… I have been jobless
for good four years. I sought jobs in so many shipping companies, but to no
avail. Please, I need a boss who will teach me the rudiments and basis of
Yahoo yahoo."
A poster with an alias, Kvng Segzkid, said, "I am a graduate of Science
Laboratory Technology. Since 2015, I have yet to get a job. I have no choice
but to venture into gee (Internet fraud). I need a boss and promise to be
loyal and honest with him."
One Sanni Rasheed cautioned the posters on the criminal chats, saying
"This act will be prosecuted under the law of the country."
But one Hon Stainless Cash, dared the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission and other security agencies to come after him.
He said, "To all the EFCC and SARS on this page, if you intend to trace me,
please do trace me or track me if you can find me and I will highly welcome
you. Please, make sure you track me; for your service is highly needed."
Ladies also joined in the discussion and expressed willingness to engage
in Internet fraud.
A commentator, Ugo Osinachi, wrote, "I want to be a gee guy. I need help
from any boss please. Here is my number 09060655750; I am on WhatsApp
and Facebook. Please bosses, help me out, I am serious about this."
Titilayo Adetoba also said, "I want to become gee guy; any help should
contact me, 09068646625. I am curious."
The SFU spokesperson, ASP Lawal Audu, said the unit was aware of the comments
on its Facebook page, adding that a manhunt had been launched for the posters.
He said, "We are tracking them, but we don't want to speak about it publicly.
We are making efforts. Scientific investigation is not something you do anyhow;
otherwise, you won't get at your targets."
Here is the URL of the article for as long as it is good:
http://punchng.com/internet-fraudsters-hijack-police-facebook-page-to-recruit-members/
*******************************************
11 JUL 2017
From the Punch, a Nigerian newspaper:
American gets $250,000 bail for $565,000 fraud
Oluwatosin Omojuyigbe
An America citizen, Marco Ramirez, who was detained in Kirikiri prison
for allegedly defrauding three Nigerian of $565,000, was on Monday granted
$250,000 bail by a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja.
Ramirez was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
on 16 counts bordering on obtaining money by false pretences and conspiracy
to commit fraud which he pleaded not guilty to.
Justice Josephine Oyefeso said she was inclined to releasing the American
on bail because prior to his first arraignment before the Federal Capital
Territory High Court, Abuja on April 8, he had been kept in the EFCC custody
for about 130 days.
The judge also observed that the defendant was detained for another 10
days before his re-arraignment in Lagos on June 22.
Justice Oyefeso held, "It is at the discretion of the court to grant
bail and having considered the nature of the offence, though not a capital
offence but a very serious one, the defendant is hereby admitted to bail
in the sum of $250, 000 or in its naira equivalent."
"The defendant shall produce two sureties who must be resident in Lagos
State. One of the sureties should be a director or a board member in a
reputable company."
"The two sureties must have a landed property in a highbrow area of Lagos
and shall present evidence of tax payment which must be verified by the
Chief Registrar."
"Both sureties must show evidence of viable source of livelihood and shall
swear an affidavit to prove same."
"The land, sea and air immigration must also be notified. The defendant
must also report once a week to the EFCC office," the judge said.
The judge thereafter, adjourned the matter till November 15 and 16, 2017
for continuation of trial.
Here is he URL of the article, which includes a photo of Marco
Ramirez, for as long as it is good:
http://punchng.com/american-gets-250000-bail-for-565000-fraud/
************************************
22 DEC 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arrests 13 Suspected Internet Fraudsters
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos zonal
office, has arrested 13 suspected Internet fraudsters for conspiracy,
possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining money under false
pretence.
The suspects are- Badejo Tobi; Abiola Dimeji; Anthony Godwin; Osoba
Adeboye; Adeleken Abiodun and Awokoya Oriyomi Yusuf.
Others are: Oyatayo Ismail; Coffie Meschark; Sylvester Amaddin;
Olawale Farouk; Adeniran Tolani; Taiwo Michael and OyekanmiAyodeji.
They were arrested on Saturday, December 16, 2017 in some parts
of Lagos and Ogun States, following intelligence report received
by the Commission about their activities.
The suspects allegedly confessed to be involved in phishing, love
scam, forgery, spoofing and business email compromise, among other
offences.
Phishing is an attempt to obtain sensitive information such as
usernames, passwords and credit card details (and money), often
for malicious reasons, by disguising as a trustworthy entity
in an electronic communication.
Spoofing, on the other hand, is a type of scam where an intruder
attempts to gain unauthorized access to a user's system or information
by pretending to be the user.
Some of the suspects, who live flamboyantly without any known sources
of income, were said to have bought houses and exotic cars from the
proceeds of their criminal activities.
They were allegedly found to be in possession of forged contract
papers of multinational oil and gas companies, banks’ instruments
and forged data page of international passports of foreign nationals,
among other documents.
Other items recovered from the suspects included laptops, flash
drives, modems, one Range Rover SUV, one Toyota Highlander, Two
Toyota Corolla and one Toyota Camry.
The suspects will soon be charged to court as soon as investigations
are concluded
Here is the URL of the press release, which contains
several photographs, for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2915-efcc-arrests-13-suspected-internet-fraudsters
********************************************
6 NOV 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
Fraudster Bags 7 Years for N20m Scam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission today November 6th, 2017
secured the conviction of one Mohammed Yusuf before Justice Zainab Bage
Abubakar of the Federal High Court Gusau, Zamfara State.
The convict was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment on each of the eleven
count charge preferred against him by the EFCC.
Upon his arraignment on April 8, 2013 the convict pleaded not guilty
to the eleven count charge, but after more than four years of trial,
the convict approached the commission with a plea bargain proposal
which was accepted and both parties came to an agreement.
The convict had defrauded the complainant, one Ya'u Mohammed to the
tune of N20,000,000 (Twenty Million Naira Only) between November 2012
and January 2013 in a classic advance fee fraud scheme. Posing as
a 'spirit' named 'Asmau', based in Niger Republic, the convict was
able to convince the complainant through a phone call into believing
that the mystery female voice had powers to establish schools and
mosques to propagate Islam but needed a human vessel through which
this could be achieved.
The complainant gullibly fell into his trap after threats that he
either obeys the voice of the spirit or die.
Subsequently, the convict began to extort his victim and used the
money to buy exotic cars and acquire a mansion in red bricks area
of Kano state.
In her judgment today, Justice Zainab convicted the Mohammed Yusuf
pursuant to section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice
Act, 2015. "This court found you guilty of the offence you are
charged with and you are accordingly convicted as charged". She said.
In passing the sentence, the trial judge adopted the plea bargain
agreement between the two parties and sentenced him to seven years
imprisonment. However the sentences are to run concurrently from
the day of his arrest.
The court also ordered that title document mention in the plea
bargain agreement be transferred to the nominal complainant as
restitution. It was also ordered that all other properties
of the convict that are in the custody of EFCC shall revert
back to the convict. The fake dollars tendered as exhibit
EFCC B was also ordered to be destroyed by the EFCC.
Here is the URL of the press release, which contains a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2850-fraudster-bags-7-years-for-n20m-scam
**************************************
19 OCT 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
$3. 7m Scam : FBI Lauds EFCC's Role In Tracking Fraudster
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, has
commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
for its dedication and support in bursting a high profile
Business E-mail Compromise, BEC, fraud in Dallas, Texas,
which led to the arrest and eventual of a Nigerian, Amechi
Colvis Amuegbunam.
It acknowledged that the "intelligence obtained by the EFCC
and provided to the FBI via Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty"
was instrumental in identifying the BEC scheme and Amuegbunam's
specific role.
"The Dallas field Office, Legal Attaché Office, and both the
FBI's Criminal and Cyber Divisions are extremely appreciative
of the EFCC as a joint partner in the pursuit of global justice
for the many victims of these BEC related crimes".
Amuegbunam, 30, who was on a student visa in the US was sentenced
to 46 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $615, 555.12 in restitution
for his role in BEC scheme that caused $3.7million loss to US companies.
The convict and other individuals were said to have between
November 2013 and August 2015 sent fraudulent emails to companies
in the Northern District of Texas and elsewhere containing
misrepresentations that caused the companies to wire transfer
funds as instructed on a pdf document that was attached to
the email.
Investigation into the crime followed reports by two companies
in the Dallas Fort Worth area to the FBI Dallas Office that they
had received targeted spear phishing emails allegedly from a top
executive at a company authorising the company's accounting
department to make financial transfers for the company, a source
that was traced to Amuegbunam.
After complying with the spear-phishing email instructions to
transfer funds, the companies became victims of the BEC scheme.
Here is the URL of the press release for as long
as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2827-3-7m-scam-fbi-lauds-efcc-s-role-in-tracking-fraudster
***************************************
9 OCT 2017
From the Nigerian Exonomic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arrests Four Suspected Internet Fraudsters
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC Lagos Zonal office, have arrested four suspected Internet
fraudsters.
The suspects are: Oluwaseun Michael, 28; Igbokwe Chijioke, 27;
Felix Chukwudi, 22 and Babajide Goloba.
They were arrested on September 30, 2017 in different parts
of Lagos, following intelligence report.
The suspects are alleged to have defrauded their victims, who
are mostly American and European citizens, millions of Dollars.
The suspects, who are school drop-outs, have confessed involvement
in romance/ marriage scam, Internet advertisement scam, spoofing
of emails and interception of business mails.
Investigation reveals that the suspects, who have also allegedly
confessed to be working as couriers for movement of stolen funds
by other cyber-criminals, own companies with no fixed addresses,
which they used to cover up the real sources of their income.
Items recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest
include laptops, mobile phones and phishing scripts, among others.
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/news/2806-efcc-arrests-four-suspected-internet-fraudsters
************************************
29 SEP 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arraigns Four Internet Fraudsters
The Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic Crimes Commission, EFCC
Friday 29 September, 2017, arraigned four suspected Internet
fraudsters; Omosehin Sina, Oladimeji Oladayo, Olowosagba Olamilekan
Samson and Afilaka Oluwole Michael before Justice Ayo Emmanuel
of the Federal High Court Ibadan , Oyo State on separate charges
bordering on possession of documents containing false pretence.
While Omolehin and Oladimeji were arraigned on a six-count charge,
Olowosagba and Afilaka were docked for four and three- counts
respectively. They pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
In view of their plea, the prosecuting counsel, Harrison Ibekwute
approached the judge for a trial date and since there was no application
for bail before the court, the judge remanded the accused in Agodi
prison and adjourned till 31 October, 2017 for commencement of trial.
One of the charge against Omosehin Sina and his co-travelers, reads
that you "Omolehin Sina , Sometime in April , 2017 in Ibadan, Oyo
State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, was found
in possession of a document used by you as "Rose Thompson" on B3,
and dated by April 3, 2017, which to your knowledge contains false
pretence that you are a woman and thereby committed an offence
contrary to Section 6 and 8(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other
Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3)
of the same Act".
Here is the URL of the article, which contains several
photographs, for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2784-efcc-arraigns-four-internet-fraudsters
*******************************
27 SEP 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission(EFCC):
EFCC Arraigns former Bank Manager, Others for N72m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission today September 27,
2017 arraigned four suspected fraudsters Sani Abubakar, Abubakar
Abdullahi, Mainasara Kallamu and Abdulrazaq Abdullahi before
Justice Ibrahim Kangiwa of the Kebbi State High Court on eight
count charge of conspiracy , forgery obtaining by false pretence
and issuance of dud cheque.
The accused persons allegedly conspired among themselves and diverted
N32,000,000 (Thirty Two Million Naira ) being balance of the eight
hundred units of motorcycles worth N72,000,000 (Seventy Two Million
Naira) belonging to the complainant, one Ibrahim Iron by falsely
claiming that the motorcycles were meant for the Nigerian Union
of Teachers.
Investigation further revealed that all the contract documents
they presented to the complainant were forged.
It was further alleged that, after the supply of the motorcycles,
the accused persons only paid the complainant the sum of N40,000,000
and diverted N32,000,000 (Thirty Two Million Naira Only) to their
personal use.
After much pressure from the complainant for the balance of his
money, the accused persons issued him with a cheque which was rejected
on presentation at the bank due to insufficient funds in the account.
One of the charge read that, "you Sani Abubakar while being the
Manager of Argungu Micro finance Bank, Abubakar Mohammed of No. 18
Tashar Nana, Mainasara Kallamu and Abdulrazaq Abdullahi sometime
in 2008 at Kebbi within the jurisdiction of this honourable court
conspired among yourselves to do an illegal act to wit: used forged
documents titled; 'Letter of Irrevocable guarantee' purported to
have been issued by Argungu Micro finance Bank and letter
of Management Guarantee purported to have been issued by
Universal Basic Education Board Kebbi State and entered into
contract for the supply of 800 units of motorcycles worth N72,000,000
(Seventy Two Million Naira ) with Iro Mamie Enterprises, 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".
All the accused persons pleaded not guilty after listening
to the charge.
Justice Kangiwa allowed them to continue to enjoy the administrative
bail granted to them by the EFCC and adjourned the matter to October 3,
2017 for the commencement of trial.
Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2776-efcc-arraigns-former-bank-manager-others-for-n72m-fraud
**************************************
26 SEP 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC to Arraign Four Suspected Internet Fraudsters
Four suspected internet fraudsters will soon be arraigned in court
by the Benin Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC. The suspects, Shiko Romeo, Bobby Edigiu, Henry
Nisike and Emmanuel Ayo were arrested recently by officers of
the Nigeria Police on suspicion of being involved in internet fraud.
Upon handing the suspects over to the EFCC, operatives of the Commission
commenced investigations including analysis of documents retrieved from
the laptop computer recovered from them.
The suspects have confessed to their involvement in internet fraud
using fake identification on Facebook in their attempt to defraud
unsuspecting victims especially European and American women.
For instance, Romeo, who claims to be a student of National Open
University, NOUN, confessed that he scammed the duo of K. Zamaripas
and Susan various sums of money in a romantic relationship using
the name John Culfer who lives in New Jersey, USA.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation
is concluded
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2768-efcc-to-arraign-four-suspected-internet-fraudsters
********************************************
15 SEP 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arrests Eight for Alleged Internet Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested eight
suspected Internet fraudsters. The suspects: Samson Olujobi, 28
(a.k.a Mau Rice, Melinda Mcginnis); Abraham Sunday, 32 ( a.k.a.
Raymond Dodson); Gabriel Ayo, 25 ( a.k.a. Robert McIntosh, Donald
Great); Omotayo Raphael, 25 (a.k.a. Michael Black); Semiu Sunday
Olawale, 23 (a.k.a. J. Cabtree); Dafe Onosigho, 27 (a.k.a. Johna
Kurz ); Ewiolo Elvis, 32 (a.k.a. Morgan Moore), and Usiaka Louis,
22 (a. k.a. Anthony Parker, David Smart, Alfred Norman), were
arrested around the Egbeda and Agege areas of Lagos August 27,
2017 following intelligence report on their alleged involvement
in internet crimes.
The suspects were said to have defrauded their victims of huge
sums of money in different currencies posing as Americans in online
dating scam.
Some of the items recovered from the suspects during the raid
include six laptop computers, five mobile phones (including two
iPhones) one Internet modem and four exotic cars (Toyota Venza,
Toyota Corolla, Hyundai and Honda Crosstour).
The suspects will soon be charged to court after investigations
are concluded.
Here is the URL of the press release for as long as
it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2746-efcc-arrests-eight-for-alleged-internet-fraud
************************************
5 SEP 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arrests Seven MAPOLY Students, Others for Internet Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos zonal office,
has arrested seven National Diploma (ND) students of the Moshood Abiola
Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State for alleged offences bordering
on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretences and possession
of forged documents.
The suspects- Adesina Olalekan, Makinde Noheem, Toheeb Ogunowo, Somotun
Olusola, Somotun Sodiq, Tajudeen Hafeez Bolaji and Kareem Olaseni- are
studying various courses in the institution.
They were arrested alongside Iyun Ifeoluwa, Odusanwo Ibrahim, Obanijesu
Opeyemi Soneye, Azeez Olayinka, Babatunde Ajala, Ojejimi Ademola, Aderowunmi
Ayomide and Oluokun Oluwaseun by operatives of the Commission within Abeokuta
and its environs on August 17, 2016, following a petition received by the
Commission about their activities.
The suspects, who were said to be living flamboyantly, were alleged
to be involved in internet scam, forgery of financial instruments and
lottery scam, among others.
One of the suspects, Olaseni, a 21-year-old Business Administration student,
was said to have created a Facebook account with the name Dean Robert, with
which he interacted with his victims.
In his statement, Olaseni gave a blow-by-blow revelation of his modus
operandi, saying, "I tell them (his victims) that they have won Facebook
Lottery. I have people who receive the money sent by the victims. Then,
the money is remitted into my personal accounts domiciled in GTBank and
Skye Bank."
A number of items, including laptops, forged documents, were recovered
from the suspects during their arrests.
The suspects will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Here is the URL of the press release, which includes several
photographs, for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2732-efcc-arrests-seven-mapoly-students-others-for-internet-fraud
****************************************
11 AUG 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Nabs Fake Online Shopping Operator
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal
Office has arrested a suspected internet fraudster, Afolabi Ojo,
who allegedly specialized in defrauding unsuspecting members
of the public through phony online shopping.
Ojo, a student of the Polytechnic of Iree (Iree-Poly), Osun State,
was arrested following a petition alleging that sometimes in June,
2017, while window-shopping on Instagram, the petitioner came across
some slippers and shoes on a page "Best Classic Store" purportedly
owned by one Kemisola with WhatsApp number 08106802815 displayed
on the page.
According to the petitioner, a sum of N53,000 (Fifty-Three Thousand Naira)
was paid for some items purchased on the online store (Best Classic), into
an account purportedly owned by one Oyebola Olasunkanmi with account number
0027735703 domiciled in one of the first generation banks.
Strangely thereafter, the suspect not only refused to deliver the goods,
but went incommunicado. Hence, the suspect was reported to the EFCC.
On arrest, Ojo confessed to being the one posing as 'Kemisola' on the
online platform to deceive people especially ladies into patronizing him.
He said: "I do not have any goods. I only pose as a lady using the
name 'Kemisola' with the handle "Best Classic Store" on Instagram.
Some of the items I used to display for sale include female shoes,
slippers, hand bags and wallet. After I have lured my victim to pay,
I will disable him from my chat so that he can no longer reach me".
The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.
Meanwhile, members of the public are advised to be cautious when buying
goods online as not to fall victim of phony online stores with heinous
motives.
Here is the URL of the press release, which includes as photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2710-efcc-nabs-fake-online-shopping-operator
*******************************************
26 JUL 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Recovers Camcorder for German National
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday,
July 26, 2017, returned a parcel containing a Camcorder to the
Federal Office of Criminal Investigation, Germany, otherwise known
as BKA, for onward delivery to a German, David Muehling.
The Canon E0S C100 Camcorder was returned to the BKA through its
representative in Lagos, Damilola Adewale, by the Head of Operations,
EFCC Lagos zonal office, Garba Dugum.
The Commission recovered the parcel, following a petition received
from the BKA on July 20, 2017.
The BKA had notified the Commission about the encounter of a German
businessman, David Muehling, who was allegedly duped by a Nigerian
simply identified as Michael.
Michael had allegedly sent an email to Muehling, requesting to buy
the Camcorder.
Upon receipt of a scanned cheque issued by Micheal for payment,
Muehling was said to have sent the Camcorder, through the Nigeria
Postal Service, NIPOST, to Michael.
However, the cheque was not honoured when presented by Muehling
at the bank.
Here is the URL of the press release for as long as
it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2687-efcc-recovers-camcorder-for-german-national
*****************************************
4 JUL 2017
From the Nigerian Tribune, a Nigerian newspaper, by way of Odili.net:
$8.4 million fraud: Ajudua granted permission to travel abroad for
medical treatment
Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin - Lagos
Embattled Lagos socialite and businessman, Fred Ajudua, who allegedly
defrauded a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (Retd)of
$8.4 million was on Monday granted leave to travel abroad for urgent
medical treatment by an Ikeja High Court.
Ajudua's permission to travel was sequel to an application dated May 14,
2017 filed by the defendant through his counsel, Norrison Quakers, seeking
permission to travel abroad for an urgent medical surgery.
Ajudua is being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on
a 14-count charge bothering on obtaining, under pretence.
The defendant allegedly collected the money from Bamaiyi while the duo
were in Kirikiri prison, Lagos.
However, while addressing the court on Monday, Quakers said that his client
was grievously sick and needed an urgent medical surgery which ought to be
performed outside the country as directed by his doctor.
Quakers said, "My Lord can tell by his appearance today in court that the
defendant is seriously ill and that there is a medical report to buttress
this fact."
"The application brought before your Lordship is to put the court on notice
that we are about to travel for a medical examination."
"Your lordship will see the urgency in the affidavit of urgency attached
to the motion including the original copy of the medical report from Lagos
State Teaching Hospital, LUTH."
"My client was in LUTH and was transferred to India but the EFCC agents
refused him going there. He has been complaining of a high blood pressure
and blood in stool (hematochezia) which has been persistent since 2015."
"I even cautioned him not to be in court for today's trial because of the
way he was looking but he insisted on coming in order not to give a wrong
impression to the court."
Reacting to the application, the prosecution, S. A. Atteh, said that the
application, if granted, has no date informing the court when the defendant
is travelling or returning.
"I urge the court to reject the application since the defence gas not given
any concrete or clear information regarding the type of surgery he intends
to go for," Atteh said.
However, in her ruling, Justice Jisephine Oyefeso noted that one of the conditions
of Ajudua’s bail stipulates that the defendant is to retain his international passport
should in case the need arises for him to travel for medical treatment relating to
his health.
She said, "On this ground, the defendant has no obligation to seek permission
to travel since he has his international passport and could travel at will if
he wants to."
"The most important thing is that the defendant must be present in court for
trial. The application to travel is therefore unnecessary to notify the court."
The matter was further adjourned till July 13, 2017 for trial.
Here is the URL of the article, which includes a photo of
Ajudua, for as long as it is good:
http://odili.net/news/source/2017/jul/4/608.html
419 Coalition Comment: Given the preceding News item of 3 JUL 2017
(scroll down) which states that Ajudua was refused permission to travel
abroad for medical treatment, we don't know what to make of this conflicting
report.
However, that "Fast Freddie" Ajudua,one of the most (if not THE most)
infamous 419ers of all time, was Ever given bail for any reason, for
any charge, is of course absurd. That the man was ever allowed to retain
his international passport, and ever allowed to travel abroad is simply
mind-boggling. If any 419er deserves to rot in Kirikiri for the duration,
"medical problems" notwithstanding, it is Fred Ajudua. If he really needs
medical care, let him get it locally, or fly in a Doc to take care of it
at his expense. Hold him Without bail and revoke All his passports!
That's what 419 Coalition thinks about this matter......
**************************************
3 JUL 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC):
$8.4m Fraud: Court Refuses Ajudua’s Application To Travel Abroad For Medicals
Justice J. E. Oyefeso of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, on Monday,
July 3, 2017, refused an application filed by an alleged serial fraudster, Fred
Ajudua, to proceed on an urgent trip abroad for medical checks.
Ajudua was re-arraigned on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 on an amended 28-count charge
bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence.
Ajudua is facing trial alongside others who are still at large for allegedly
collecting various sums of money from Lt. General Ishaya Bamaiyi (retd.), while
they were both in custody at the Kirikiri Prison, Lagos.
The defendant and his accomplices allegedly approached Bamaiyi, who was facing
trial for the attempted murder of Alex Ibru, the late Publisher of The Guardian
Newspaper, and assured him that they could secure his freedom.
The offence is contrary to Section 8(a) and 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and
Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 13 of 1995 as amended by Act No. 62 of 1999.
Moving the application today, Ajudua's counsel, Norisson Quakers, SAN, prayed
for an order of accelerated hearing to enable his client proceed on an urgent medical
trip to India for a major surgery in consonance with the subsisting judgment of
the Court of Appeal.
While urging the court to grant the application in the interest of justice,
Quakers said:
"My client is critically ill and requires urgent specialized surgery in India
to salvage his solitary malfunctioning kidney. He is not medically fit to stand
trial."
S. K. Atteh, counsel to the EFCC, had in a counter-affidavit to the application,
told the court that the supporting affidavit by the defence did not state that
the medical conditions of defendant had defiled all medical solutions in Nigeria.
He said: "If the defendant is allowed to travel abroad or is obliged this application
on the pretext of medical treatment, he will be sending fake reports of his medical
state as he had done in the past".
He urged the court to refuse the application.
In his ruling, Justice Oyefeso described the application as "unnecessary" and
adjourned to July 13, 2017 for commencement of trial.
In a similar vein, Justice Oyefeso also adjourned to October 16, 2017 for hearing
on three pending applications filed by Ajudua in case of $1million fraud.
In the said suit, Ajudua and one Joseph Ochunor had, sometime in 1993, allegedly
defrauded one Ziad Abu Zalaf of Technical International Limited, a company based
in Germany of $1million.
The applicant is urging the court to quash the charges against him; suspend the
trial pending the final judgment of the Court of Appeal and leave to travel abroad
for medical checks.
Here is the URL of the Press Release, which contains a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2635-8-4m-fraud-court-refuses-ajudua-s-application-to-travel-abroad-for-medicals
*******************************************************
3 JUL 2017
From the South China Morning Post, Hong Kong, sent in by Ultrascan AGI:
Scam artists in Southern China give money laundering a new meaning
Foreigners and local accomplice arrested in Guangzhou for duping woman
of millions with promises of 'dyed dollar notes' back to real currency
The two foreigners, were are residents of Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong
province, were identified by their surnames Johnson and Dodo, although
their nationalities were not revealed.
They convinced the victim, whom they met online, that they had a suitcase
full of what looked like black paper but was actually US$1.4 million dollars
worth of US banknotes that had been dyed black million and smuggled into China.
They offered to sell the special "chemical agents" to wash the dye off the money,
local media reported.
The victim was a woman from Wuhan surnamed Li. She said that Johnson, who used
the pseudonym "Anderson", demonstrated how the money was washed in front of her,
according to Guangzhou’s New Express Daily.
Li said that during their meeting in a hotel room, Johnson applied the
chemicals to some of the black paper, and washed them in clean water.
Soon the paper turned into US dollar notes.
She said she believed she was looking after the money for an "American engineer"
who was working on an offshore oil rig, and to whom she had lent money through
the two men. The borrowed money plus a "bonus for her trouble" would be paid
to her with converted cash.
She paid several times for a "recovering agent", "preservatives", "shipping
fees and storage fees" and "incubators" over the following months, but did
not receive any money. She then called the police.
The suspect repeated the trick in front of the police, and admitted they had
processed and recovered genuine money in their first demonstration to Li, but
the rest was just paper, the report said.
The case is still under investigation.
Here is the URL of the article, which includes several generic
419 related illustrations, for as long as it is good:
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2101082/scam-artists-southern-china-give-money-laundering-new-meaning
*********************************************
2 JUL 2017
From The Sun Daily, Malaysia, and AFP News, sent in by
Ultrascan AGI:
Benin, a Ponzi scheme and a long wait for answers
COTONOU: Sadiatou used to be a well-off trader of traditional cloth
at the market in Benin's economic hub of Cotonou but now sells school
equipment from the doorstep of her home.
In 2010 she sank more than five million CFA francs (US$8,700) (RM37,357)
into an investment scheme that promised a quick profit.
"It's a deposit I should never have made," she told AFP. "My business took
a hit and my health as well. I've been depressed for a long time".
"I was counting on the savings I'd make to expand my business. But it was
useless. All my money has gone."
Seven years after what was described as the biggest financial scandal in
Benin's history was revealed, 20 people this week went on trial.
Sadiatou is one of nearly 150,000 people that the International Monetary
Fund estimates were defrauded of more than 150 billion CFA francs in the
Investment Consultancy and Computing Services (ICC Services) case.
Some estimates, however, say as many as 300,000 people were lured into
parting with their hard-earned or borrowed cash and life-savings on the
promise of 150% to 200% per quarter returns.
Ponzi scheme
Despite repeated warnings about investing in so-called pyramid or Ponzi
schemes, such scams are becoming commonplace throughout Africa.
Frank Engelsman, who heads the Amsterdam- and Paris-based Ultrascan, which
specialises in detecting international financial fraud, says such schemes
are booming.
"First, because the infrastructure in big cities of Africa is improving rapidly,
both phone as well as internet infrastructure - and that's what these fraudsters
need."
"Second, because in those cities... police are not trained to handle internet
international communication crimes that always cross a border between the fraudster
and the victim."
In Gabon, a business run by a Pentecostal church pastor, Yves David Mapakou,
allegedly swindled up to 30,000 French and Gabonese clients by promising profits
on investments.
A complaint was lodged in Paris in August last year.
Africa's most populous nation Nigeria remains the undisputed champion of fraud,
having assiduously developed "419" scams over the years - a reference to the
relevant section of the criminal code.
Victims from around the world have been duped into handing over billions of dollars
through a barrage of unsolicited email appeals and job offers as well as promises
of marriage.
Engelsman said this type of fraud has "spread from Nigeria to neighbouring countries"
in West Africa, taking advantage of the lack of capacity of law enforcement agencies
to investigate.
"Like most bad things like crime, they tend to spread when not put to a halt, widen
their scope to improve effect/income." he added.
Development can even play a part.
"It's easier when the infrastructure is good, in countries where also the chamber
of commerce is registering companies easily and bank accounts are opened, based on
one or more registrations," he added.
The Ponzi scheme in Benin – likened to the one run by Bernie Madoff in the United
States that saw the financier jailed – involved paying initial investors with the
money of new clients.
Textile worker Aline Aklassato said she had "no reason at all not to believe"
the scheme would not work.
"Colleagues and friends had made deposits and received dividends," she added.
"I got dividends myself for two months of 300,000 CFA francs before the difficulties
started."
Criminal liability
As the case wound its way to trial, few of the alleged victims were able to
attend court hearings.
The current trial will only look at establishing criminal liability. But for
salesman Leandros Koudenoukpo, "the key question is reimbursement".
Benin's government in 2010 launched a compensation scheme for victims through
the sale of assets seized from ICC Services. But only a few benefited.
The 20 defendants in the dock are facing charges of conspiracy, defrauding the public
and practising illegal banking and micro-finance.
Key questions that need answering are how were ICC Services and other firms involved
are able to prosper over the years, despite having no authorisation to run financial
services. Did they have state backing?
Benin's president at the time, former banker Thomas Boni Yayi, and several
high-ranking officials were at the time accused of complicity but none is
officially under investigation.
Seven years may have passed and Benin's government has changed. But more time is
still needed for a resolution.
The trial opened on Thursday but on Friday it was adjourned to a date to be fixed
because of a lack of an expert psychiatric witness and documents. - AFP
Here is the URL of the article, for as long as it is good:
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2017/07/02/benin-ponzi-scheme-and-long-wait-answers
The article was also widely reprinted etc. elsewehere, including:
North Africa:
http://menafn.com/1095590282/Benin-a-Ponzi-scheme-and-a-long-wait-for-answers
Singapore:
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/benin-ponzi-scheme-long-wait-answers-035101004.html
And in French Language:
http://information.tv5monde.com/afrique/nouveau-report-du-proces-icc-services-l-affaire-madoff-la-beninoise-178369
*******************************************
30 JUN 2017
From the International Business Times (UK), sent in by
Ultrascan AGI:
Ruthless online romance scams target lonely hearts on an industrial scale
Online scammers are using fake profiles to trick victims into sending cash.
By Jason Murdock
Online fraudsters using fake identities on dating websites and social
media networks to trick victims out of their money has become a lucrative
underground industry and is only set to grow over the next 18 months.
The fraud, known as a romance scam, is being bolstered by leaks from major
dating and pornography websites which can reveal a victim's intimate secrets,
according to the UK National Crime Agency (NCA). Data breaches, for example
at Ashley Madison and AdultFriendFinder, can lead to blackmail and extortion,
it added.
It is "almost certain" that the UK will be targeted with more romance scams
and highly targeted email compromise campaigns over the next 18 months, the
agency warned in its National Strategic Assessment, released to the public
on Thursday 29 June.
"Social engineering is highly likely to continue to rise as an attack vector,
originating most notably from West Africa," it added.
In these social engineering attacks, which often rely on direct messages
and grooming tactics, victims believe they are talking to a genuine person.
How romance scams work
The online fraudster orchestrating a romance scam plays the long game and
will work to earn the trust of their victim over time. Once this is gained,
the culprit pretends to experience a life-threatening or heartbreaking event
before asking the victim for financial aid.
Once a payment is sent, the scheme then becomes more relentless as the scammer
attempts to bleed as much money as possible by creating more fake situations -
be it the death of a loved one or being stranded in a foreign country after
being robbed. The statistics show it works.
Figures released in January by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau revealed
there were 3,389 victims of romance fraud in 2016, losing a combined total of
more than UK Pounds 39m ($50m).
This was a rise from the previous year, when 3,363 victims lost a total of just
under UK Pounds 26m ($33m). Meanwhile, in 2016, the average loss for each victim
was 11,500 Pounds compared with 7,731 Pounds in 2015. At least 39% of those who
were tricked are men, the figures suggested.
The victims are mounting
There are numerous victims who have spoken out about being fooled by romance
scams over the years - and for some the personal consequences are more severe
that financial ruin.
In March this year, 54-year-old Pam Wareing was taken to court after allegedly
stealing more than 500,000 Pounds from her employer, a UK solicitor, to send
to a conman she met online. That case was referred to a higher court and remains
under investigation.
Another high-profile case was that of 68-year-old Judith Lathlean, a university
professor who fell victim to a romance scam in 2015 via an online dating website.
Lathlean lost a total of 140,000 Pounds after a man using the name John Porter
online convinced her to send it to him.
"Porter" claimed his house had been broken into, resulting in the loss of his
passport and phone. He claimed to have a vast fortune of 10m Pounds that was
suddenly available but only if someone could go to Amsterdam and pay a fee to
release the money. It was a complex web of lies.
"A lot of the online dating fraudsters we know are abroad," Steve Proffitt,
deputy head of Action Fraud, told the BBC earlier this year. They're in West
Africa, Eastern Europe and it's very difficult for British law enforcement
to take action against them in those jurisdictions."
Luckily, there are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself from
romance scams, as well as a number of key signs to look out for if you are
suspicious of someone online. The advice comes courtesy of Action Fraud, the
primary UK reporting centre for scams and cybercrime.
How to protect yourself:
Avoid giving away too many personal details when dating online. Revealing
your full name, date of birth and home address may lead to your identity being
stolen.
Never send or receive money or give away your bank details to someone you've
only met online, no matter how much you trust them or believe their story.
Pick a reputable dating website and use the site's messaging service.
Fraudsters want to quickly switch to social media or texting so there's no
evidence of them asking you for money.
If you have struck up a relationship with someone online, you should be
concerned if they are asking a lot of personal questions but never interested
in talking about themselves, Action Fraud said. Additionally, it is advised
to reverse image search their picture to make sure it's not stolen.
"What is striking from this year's assessment are the themes running through
the crime types," NCA deputy director general Matthew Horne said in a statement
at the release of the report. "Organised criminal networks are using online
methods to defraud and extort," he warned.
Here is the URL of the article, for as long as it is good:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ruthless-online-romance-scams-target-lonely-hearts-industrial-scale-1628494
********************************************
23 JUN 2017
From Graphic.com, Ghana:
An Ikeja High Court on Thursday remanded an American citizen, Marco Ramirez,
at Kirikiri Maximum Prison for allegedly defrauding three Nigerians in a
$565,000 green card and investment scam.
Mr. Ramirez was remanded following his not-guilty plea to a 16-count charge
of obtaining money under false presences. He was arraigned by the EFCC.
The EFCC prosecutor, V. O. Aigboje, alleged that the accused, managing director
of three companies – USA Now Plc., Eagleford Instalodge Group and USA Now Capital
Group – committed the offences between February 2013 and August 2013.
Mr. Aigboje said Mr. Ramirez fraudulently received $545,000 from Godson Echejue
to invest in his company, Eagleford Instalodge Group, in order to procure an American
green card (residence permit) for him (Echejue).
He also allegedly received $10,000 from Abubakar Umar through a non-existent
investment programme in the U.S., which was billed to make Mr. Umar eligible
to obtain an American passport.
The EFCC also accused Mr. Ramirez of illegally receiving $10,000 from one Olukayode
Sodimu under the pretext that the funds were facilitation fees with the American
Immigration Services for an American green card. .
After Mr. Ramirez took his plea, Mr. Aigboje requested that he be taken from the
custody of EFCC to prison custody. "There are no bed spaces available in the commission.
I apply that the defendant be remanded in prison custody," she said. .
Chukwudi Maduka, the defence counsel, in his submission, requested that Mr. Ramirez
be kept in the custody of EFCC and not in the custody of the Nigerian Prison Service.
Justice Josephine Oyefeso, however, rejected Mr. Maduka’s request and ordered that
Mr. Ramirez be remanded in prison. "The proper place for remand is prison custody
and I so order. The case is, hereby, adjourned to July 3 for hearing of the defendant's
bail application," she said.
Credit: Vanguard (a major Nigerian newspaper)
Here is the URL of the article, for as long as it is good:
http://www.graphic.com.gh/international/international-news/american-man-remanded-in-lagos-for-defrauding-nigerians.html
**********************************************
22 JUN 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arraigns Impostor
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned
one Promise Tochi Nwalozie (a. k. a Ibrahim Lamorde) and Ohaji Ujunwa
Raymond, before Justice H. I. O Oshomah of the Federal High Court,
sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on a 9-count charge bordering
on conspiracy and obtaining money by false presence to the tune of
$1,330.00 (USD).
Nwalozie, while posing as the former Executive Chairman of the EFCC,
Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, was arrested alongside six other Internet fraud
suspects at Rumuagholu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on 6 August, 2016,
in a sting operation by operatives of the EFCC.
Nwalozie was using the identity of Lamorde to send scam mails to
foreigners, mostly Europeans and Americans and in the process,
extorted 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 boss.
He equally assumed another name, Gabriel Giese, to ply his
nefarious activities. This is in addition to 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. Raymond was one of his partners in crime.
Six other suspected fraudsters arrested with Nwalozie have been
charged separately.
Count one of the charge read: "that you Promise Tochi Nwalozie (a. k. a)
Barrister Peter Jackson, Gebriel Giese, Ibrahim Lamorde and Ohaji Ujunwa
Raymond sometime in July, 2016, at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, within
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire among yourselves
to commit felony to wit: Obtaining Money by False Pretence and thereby
committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (a) and punishable under
Section 1 (3) of the of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related
Offences Act, 2006."
Another count read: "that you Promise Tochi Nwalozie (a. k. a) Barrister
Peter Jackson, Gebriel Giese, Ibrahim Lamorde, on or about the 6th August,
2016, at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, within the jurisdiction of this
Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of $500.00
(USD) from one Georgina M, an Australian under the pretence that the
said sum formed part payment for the repatriation of her funds which s
he lost to fraudsters in Nigeria, which pretext 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 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read
to them.
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, Mustapha Tanko Iko asked
the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial and that the defendants
be remanded in prison custody. However, counsel to the two defendants,
P. O. K. Osuji, told the court that he had filed bail applications for
his clients and served same on the prosecution. He urged the court to grant
his prayers. Iko acknowledged the applications and did not oppose them.
Justice Oshomah adjourned the case to 6 July, 2017 for bail hearing and
ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody pending the
determination of their 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/2615-efcc-arraigns-impostor
**********************************
21 JUN 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
Court Remands Two in Prison For Internet Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday,
June 21, 2017, arraigned one suspected Internet fraudster, Folusho
Oguntoyinbo, also known as Sydney, before Justice Hakeem Olatunde
Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on a three-count
charge bordering on possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining
money by false pretence to the tune of N700, 000(Seven Hundred T
housand Naira).
One of the counts reads: "That you, Folusho Oguntoyinbo (a.k.a. Sydney)
sometime in 2016 in Lagos within the Ikeja judicial division, with intent
to defraud, obtained the sum of Seven Hundred Thousand Naira from Roy
Torgerson by falsely representing to him that you were Sydney A., female,
which representations you knew to be false."
The 31-year-old suspected fraudster, however, pleaded not guilty when
the charges were read to him.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Ayanfeoluwa Ogunsina,
asked the court for a trial date and pleaded that the accused be
remanded in prison custody.
However, the defence counsel, M.O. Lawal, told the court of a pending
application for bail of his client.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to July 13, 2017 for hearing of the
bail application and ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody.
Meanwhile, the EFCC also arraigned a member of a syndicate of Internet
fraudsters, Ojo Adedayo, a.k.a. Kate, before Justice Oshodi on a three-count
charge bordering on possession of fraudulent documents.
One of the counts reads: "That you, Ojo Adedayo (a.k.a. Kate) sometime
in 2016 in Lagos within the Ikeja judicial division, with intent to defraud,
had in your possession a document titled "Me", which document you knew
contained false pretence."
However, the 22-year-old suspect pleaded not guilty when the charges were
read to him.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to July 13, 2017 for hearing of the
bail application and remanded the suspect 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/2613-court-remands-two-in-prison-for-internet-fraud
************************************
2 MAY 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arraigns Two for Euro 88, 000 Internet Scam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday,
May 2, 2017 arraigned the duo of Ajani Isaac Adedotun, (a.k.a.
Clara Williams and Lara Williams) and Adesina Segun Adedeji before
Justice A.D. Oladimeji of the Osun State High Court sitting in Ede,
on a 50-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money
by false pretence.
The petitioner alleged that the victim, M. Wassink, a Dutch citizen,
was defrauded of over Euro 88,000 in an Internet romance scam.
One of the counts reads: "Ajani Isaac Adedotun (a.k.a Clara Williams,
Lara Williams) and Adesina Segun Adedeji, on or about the 5th day of
March, 2014 at Ile Ife, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court,
with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of €23,000 (Twenty-three Thousand
Euro) through Adesina Segun Adedeji's Skye Bank account from M. Wassink,
under the false pretence that you are a female from Belgium and had
travelled to Nigeria to buy some gemstones and bracelets and that the
said sum of money represented fees for the officials securing the gemstones
for you, which representation you knew to be false."
The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they
were read to them.
In view of their pleas, the prosecuting counsel, Vera Agboje, asked the
court for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the accused in
prison custody.
However, counsel to the accused persons, Sanyaolu S. Akinyele and T. S.
Adegboyega, respectively prayed the court to grant their clients bail.
Justice Oladimeji adjourned the case to May 16, 2017 for hearing of the
bail applications and ordered the accused to be remanded in Ilesa prison
custody.
Here is the URL of the press release, for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2502-efcc-arraigns-two-for-88-000-internet-scam
******************************************
18 APR 2017
From Nigeriana.org (probebly based in Nigeria, this is not clear
on the site):
Oh My!! Nigerian Husband And Wife, 'The Ogundeles', Sentenced To 252
Months Jail Term In The United States For Internet Dating Scam!!
By Mathew
According to report from United States, a United States District Judge, Paul W. Grimm
has sentenced Gbenga Ogundele aka Benson Ogundele, age 58; of Laurel, Maryland to 234
months in prison, and sentenced his wife, Moji Popoola, aka Mojisola Oluwakemi Tin
Popoola/Moji T. Popoola, age 42, also of Laurel, to 18 months in prison, each followed
by three years of supervised release.
They were jailed for conspiracies to commit wire fraud and money laundering arising
from a scheme to defraud vulnerable victims of millions of dollars. Ogundele was also
convicted of aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme.
Judge Grimm ordered that Mojisola Popoola's supervised release is to be served in
home detention. He also ordered Ogundele to forfeit $2,195,103.36, and ordered
Mojisola Popoola to forfeit approximately $165,000 and to pay restitution of $34,100.
On March 20, 2017, Judge Grimm sentenced Moji Popoola's brother, Babatunde Emmanuel
Popoola, aka Emmanuel Popoola/Tunde Popoola, age 34, of Bowie, Maryland, to 12 years
in prison, on the same charges.
He ordered Babatunde Popoola to pay restitution of $465,170.76. Ogundele and the
Popoolas were convicted on November 18, 2016, after a 17-day trial.
In a related case, Funmilayo Joyce Shodeke, age 67, of Burtonsville, Maryland,
pleaded guilty on March 22, 2017 to conducting an unlicensed money transmitting
business, and was sentenced to 13 months’ probation, and ordered to forfeit $29,900.
The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland
Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau
of Investigation.
According to the evidence presented at trial, and co-conspirators’ plea agreements,
from January 2011 to May 18, 2015, members of the conspiracy searched online dating
websites to initiate romantic relationships with vulnerable male and female individuals.
They phoned, emailed, texted and used internet chat messenger services to form
romantic relationships with the victims, who lived in Maryland and around the country.
Members of the conspiracy used false stories and promises to convince the victims
to provide money to the conspirators, including fake hospital bills, plane trips
to visit the victims, problems with overseas businesses and foreign taxes.
Ogundele, the Popoolas, co-conspirators Olusegun Charles Ogunseye, Olufemi Wilfred
Williams, Adeyinka Olubunmi Awolaja and others opened bank accounts, called "drop
accounts," in order to receive millions of dollars from the victims.
The victims provided money to the defendants as a result of the false stories and
promises, either depositing money directly into drop accounts controlled by the
defendants, or by checks sent to the conspirators.
The payments from victims ranged from $1,720 to $50,000. Ogundele, Babatunde Popoola,
and others used victims' names, bank account numbers or driver’s licenses in furtherance
of the fraud scheme.
Ogundele, the Popoolas, Ogunseye, Williams, Awolaja and their co-conspirators dispersed
money received from the victims by transferring funds to other accounts controlled by
the conspirators, by obtaining cashier’s checks, and by writing checks to individuals
or entities, in order to conceal the nature, source, and control of those assets.
Co-conspirator Victor Oyewumi Oloyede, age 42, of Laurel, Maryland, was also convicted
at trial for his role in the fraud scheme. Oloyede was sentenced to 234 months in prison.
Co-conspirators Olusegun Charles Ogunseye, age 59 of Laurel, Maryland, Olufemi Wilfred
Williams, age 28, of Owings Mills, Maryland, and Adeyinka Olubunmi Awolaja, Jr., age 34,
of New Carollton, Maryland, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Judge Grimm scheduled sentencing for Awolaja on June 12, 2017, for Ogunseye on July 25,
2017, and for Williams on July 27, 2017, all at 2:30 p.m.
The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster
cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators
and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state
and federal prosecutors.
This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates
the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and
businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity
information, and protect citizens from identity theft.
The conviction is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the US President's
Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, established to wage an aggressive, coordinated
and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.
With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys' offices, and state and local
partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory
agencies ever assembled to combat fraud.
Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased
investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation
among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and
financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions
and other organizations.
Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud
cases against more than 25,000 defendants.
United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the
investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom, who is
prosecuting the case.
Here is the URL of the article, which includes lots of
photos, for as long as it is good:
http://nigeriana.org/news/metro-news/oh-nigerian-husband-wife-ogundeles-sentenced-252-months-jail-term-united-states-internet-dating-scam/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
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10 APR 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arraigns Alleged Female Internet Fraudster for Euro 132,000 Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, April 7, 2017
arraigned one Suzan Vega Ochuko before Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High
Court sitting in Benin, Edo State on a three count charge bordering on conspiracy
and obtaining by false pretence.
The defendant and one Tony Uyimwen also known as Alex Ethan (now at large)
allegedly operating with a pseudo name Alex Ethan contacted one Mrs. Beatrice
AUF DER MAUR from St. Gallen, Switzerland via Facebook and defrauded her of
Euro 132,000 (One Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand Euro).
Maur was allegedly hoodwinked into a love relationship with the defendant
who subsequently defrauded her of the said amount under the pretence of
executing a non-existent contract.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
One of the Counts reads:
"That you, Suzan Vega Ochuko "F" and Tony Uyimwen "M" (a.k.a) Alex Ethan
(now at large) on or about the 11th of March, 2016 at Benin, Edo State
within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud when
you made a false representation that you are Alex Ethan to one Mrs. Beatrice
AUF DER MAUR and obtained the sum of 65, 000.00 (Euro), account number:
2024290579 of one Collins Peter which pretext you knew was 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."
Another count reads:
"That you, Suzan Vega Ochuko "F" and Tony Uyimwen "M" (a.k.a) Alex Ethan
(now at large) on or about the 18th of March, 2016 at Benin, Edo State within
the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtain
the sum of 67, 000.00 (Euro) under false pretence from one Mrs. Beatrice
AUF DER MAUR account number: 2022547286 which pretext you knew was 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."
In view of her plea, counsel to EFCC, M. T. Iko asked the court to fix a
date for commencement of trial. The defence counsel, Ekhator Ogiegbaen told
the court that he had a pending bail application for his client. He pleaded
with the court to grant his client bail as she will not jump bail and that
the defendant was a nursing mother.
Though the prosecuting counsel opposed the bail, Justice Ajoku granted the
defendant bail in the sum of N 1 million with two sureties in like sum. The
sureties must be civil servant not below grade level 12 or two sureties
with landed property within the jurisdiction of the court. The sureties
must deposit original title of their document with the court while the
civil servant must produce an official letter from his superior from his
office. The documents are to be verified by the prosecution.
The matter has been adjourned to the June 14, 2017 for trial while the
defendant is to be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection
of her 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/2460-efcc-arraigns-alleged-female-internet-fraudster-for-132-000-fraud
*********************************************
5 APR 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Smashes Notorious 419 Syndicate, Recovers fake $570,000USD
The Kaduna Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC have arrested members of a notorious syndicate of fraudsters made
of four Nigerians and one Nigerien who specialise in duping innocent
persons of their hard earned monies. Those arrested are Salisu Rabiu,
a.k.a Maimagani; Ibrahim Idris, a.k.a Dankano; Magaji Musa (Nigerien)
a.k.a Maishayi; Haruna Abdullahi,a.k.a Balogun and Abubakar Umar,
a.k.a Fulani.
The suspects were arrested in a bush along Sabon Gari, Kurmin Kogi,
Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna state. A search of their hide out
which is suspected to be a kidnappers' den led to the startling discovery
of a sum of five hundred and seventy thousand ($570,000) fake US dollars
and some charms.
The five man gang met their waterloo when they conspired among themselves
to lure an unsuspecting victim into believing that some unclaimed boxes
containing huge amount of USD were kept with some herdsmen believed to
be accomplices by an unidentified politician.
Doubtful of the story, the would-be victim contacted the Commission.
The operatives of the Commission upon receipt of the intelligence swung
into action and arrested the gang members in their hideouts.
All the suspects are in custody while investigation continues.
The Commission wishes to use this opportunity to warn members of the public
to be wary of any get-rich-quick offer in order not to be a victim of scam.
However, those who had fallen victim to the nefarious activities of this
syndicate are enjoined to report to the Commission’s office located at
No.4 Wurno Road Kaduna State.
Here s the URL of the press release for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2447-efcc-smashes-notorious-419-syndicate-recovers-fake-570-000usd
419 Coalition Comment: We hope that the recovered $570K is promptly
repatriated to victims of this 419 syndicate.
***************************************************
31 MAR 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
Internet Fraudster Bags Two Year Imprisonment
Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court, Benin City on Thursday
March 30, convicted and sentenced one Obinna Nnamdi, an internet fraudster
to two years imprisonment for offences bordering on conspiracy and obtaining
by false pretence.
The convict who was arraigned on February 19, 2013 on a two count charge
was found guilty on both counts and sentenced to two years imprisonment on
each of the count. The sentences are to run concurrently.
One of the counts reads: "That you, Nnamdi Obinna and Dennis Osagie {now
at large} on or about October 2012, at Benin City under the jurisdiction
of this honourable court, with intent to defraud did obtain the sum of one
thousand five hundred euros from one Helena Anderson under the false pretence
that you are Christer Kelly, a British citizen, 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 Section1 (3) of the said Act".
In the course of trial, the Commission called two witnesses and tendered about
15 exhibits while the defence called only one witness.
Justice Ajoku in her judgment held that the Commission proved its case beyond
reasonable doubt and therefore convicted the accused accordingly.
The convict is one of the several suspected internet fraudsters handed over
to the Commission by the 4th Brigade of the Nigeria Army, Benin City on
January 22, 2013. Two others suspects, Osagie Aghedo Bliss and Amegor
Ovenseri had been convicted and sentenced by the court.
Here is the URL of the article for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2434-internet-fraudster-bags-two-year-imprisonment
***************************************
27 MAR 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Docks Suspected Internet Fraudster
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on March 27,
2017, arraigned one Gbenga Yusuf John, a suspected Internet fraudster,
before Justice A. M. Nicol-Clay of the State High Court sitting in
Igbosere, Lagos on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and
forgery.
The accused person, while posing as an American working in Nigeria,
conned a U.S. lady whom he met on a dating site by claiming that he
owned a number of rental properties in Southwest Florida, USA.
Upon their meeting, the accused person allegedly told the victim that
he was currently in Africa to give aid to victims of Ebola disease and
sought her assistance in managing his rental deposit while he was away.
Consequently, the victim allegedly processed the rental deposits and
received thousand of dollars in postal money order mailed directly
to her by the accused person.
The unsuspecting victim allegedly deposited all the cheques, acquire
cash and then transferred the funds through Western Union to Yusuf.
One of the counts reads: "Gbenga Yusuf John on or about the 26th day
of February, 2006 in Lagos within the Lagos Judicial Division, had in
your possession a document dated Tuesday, February 3, 2015 in which
you represented yourself as James Carter, born and raised in United
State of America but presently reside in Nigeria where you are doing
electronic business which representation you knew or ought to have
known to be false having regard to the circumstances of this case."
The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, M.Aliyu, asked the court
for a trial date and prayed that the accused person be remanded in
prison custody.
However, counsel to the accused, S.O. Obaje, who did object to the
submissions of the prosecution, pleaded with the court for a short date
to file his application for bail.
After listening to both parties, Justice Nicol-Clay remanded the accused
person in prison custody and adjourned the matter to June 20, 2017 for
hearing of the bail application and the continuation of trial.
Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2415-efcc-docks-suspected-internet-fraudster
********************************************
17 MAR 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
Man Bags Six Years Jail Term For N7.8m love Scam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday,
March 17, 2017, secured the conviction and sentencing of an Internet
fraudster, Akintunde Vincent Abiodun, a.k.a. Christopher Williams,
before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.
The 37-year-old was arraigned on January 23, 2017 on an amended 12-count
charge of stealing and forgery to the tune of N7, 806, 093.00(Seven Million,
Eight Hundred and Six Thousand, and Ninety Three Naira).
Abiodun's walk to jail began after he presented himself as Christopher
Williams to his victim, D. Bonni, whom he met on a dating site on the
Internet.
The convict, as part of his tricks, had told to Bonni that he inherited
gemstones worth $18, 050,000((Eighteen Million and Fifty Thousand United
States Dollars) from his late father in the United Kingdom.
He also forged an American passport with which he convinced his victim
of his purported nationality.
Consequently, the convict dishonestly received various sums of money,
at different times, from his victim.
When he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty to the charges when they
were read to him, thereby setting the stage for his trial.
The prosecution counsel, Ola Sesan, tendered several documents that were
admitted in evidence and presented witnesses who testified against the accused.
In view of this, the convict later filed an application for plea bargaining
before the court.
Delivering his judgment today, Justice Ipaye, found the convit guilty and
jailed three years each on counts 1 to 11 of stealing.
The convict was also found guilty and jailed three years each on count
12 of forgery.
The sentences are to run separately from the date of arraignment.
Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2401-man-bags-six-years-jail-term-for-n7-8m-love-scam
***************************************
14 MAR 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arraigns Four for $10, 000 Oil Scam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday,
March 13, 2017 arraigned the trio of Emmanuel Onubogu, Onyeka
Godday and Mamudu Musa alongside their company, Zirconafrik
Limited, before Justice O. A. Taiwo of the Lagos State High
Court sitting in Igbosere, Lagos on a two-count charge bordering
on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of
$10, 000.00 (Ten Thousand United States Dollars).
The defendants allegedly approached the complainant, Adewale Olaiya,
requesting the sum of $10, 000, which they said they needed as "authentication
fee" for one million barrels of crude oil purportedly allocated to them by
the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.
However, the defendants allegedly became elusive after receiving the
money from the complainant.
One of the counts reads:
"That you, Emmanuel Onubogu, Onyeka Godday, Mamudu Musa and Zirconafrik
Limited sometime in November, 2013 within Lagos in the Lagos Judicial
Division, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of USD10, 000.00
(Ten Thousand United States Dollars) from Mr. Adewale Olaiya through
Zirconafrik Limited’s Guarantee Trust Bank account number: 0023950101
under the false pretence that the money represented the authentication
fee for one million barrels of crude oil onboard MT Patroclus allocated
to you for sale by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
which pretence you knew was false."
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they
were read to them.
In view of their plea, counsel to EFCC, M. S. Usman, asked the court
for a trial date and urged that the defendants be remanded in prison custody.
However, counsels to the defendants, pleaded with the court to grant their
clients bail.
The prosecuting counsel did not oppose the applications.
Consequently, Justice Taiwo adjourned to March 22, 2017 for hearing on
bail applications and ordered the defendants to be remanded in the EFCC
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/2391-efcc-arraigns-four-for-10-000-oil-scam
****************************************
14 MAR 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC:
EFCC Arraigns Man for $3,650 Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday,
March 13, 2017 arraigned one Iwuala Ikechukwu Brown before Justice
J. O. Oyefeso of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos
on one-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence to
the tune of $3,650.
The count reads:
"That you, Iwuala Ikechukwu Brown, between August, 2013 and November
23, 2013 at Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division, with intent to
defraud, did obtain the gross sum of $3,650 (Three Thousand Six Hundred
and Fifty United States of America Dollars) from Thomas Noblin of the
United States of America by falsely representing that you are David
Walter of Oregon, United States of America, which representation you
knew to be false."
He pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.
In view of his plea, counsel to EFCC, Anita Imo, asked the court for a
trial date and prayed that the defendant be remanded in prison custody.
However, counsel to the defendant, U. C. Chikelue, urged the court to
grant the accused bail.
Justice Oyefeso adjourned to April 11, 2017 for commencement of trial
and ordered that the defendant be remanded in Ikoyi prison.
Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2390-efcc-arraigns-man-for-3-650-fraud
********************************************
1 MAR 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arraigns Suspected Fraudster Over N2.5m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, March 1,
2017 arraigned one Abdulkarim Usman before Justice S. L. Shuaibu of Federal
High Court sitting in Kaduna on a 3-count charge of fraud to the tune of
N2.5million.
The complainant, one Mukhtar, alleged that sometime in 2016, he accosted
Usman to order for Honda V6 from Cotonou, Benin Republic.
According to Mukhtar, a sum of N2million was transferred to the account of
Usman in a new generation bank, which the accused acknowledged upon receipt.
But, Usman neither supplied the car nor refunded the money.
While investigation into the matter was going on, another complaint was
again lodged against same Usman. This time, he allegedly connived with his
brother, Inusa Abdulkarim, who has remained elusive, to defraud one Taufiq
Kailani Mohammed to the tune of N593,000 (five hundred and ninety three
thousand naira) under the pretext that he had secured a contract from the
Nigeria Communication Commission, NCC, for supply of engine oil. Mohammed,
without doubt, sent the said sum to Usman through one of his sisters, but l
ater discovered that it was a phony deal.
One of the counts reads:
"That you, Abdulkarim Usman (m) sometime in 2016 in Kaduna within the Kaduna
Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, with intent to defraud did obtain
the sum of N2million from one Muktar Sani under the false pretence that you
are capable to supply him with Honda V6 one door and you thereby committed
an offence contrary to Section 1 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other
Related Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act".
The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Counsel to EFCC, Saidi Joshua, urged the court to fix a date for trial
to commence, but the defence counsel through an oral application asked
for bail of the accused which was rejected by the court.
Justice Shuaibu adjourned to March 8, 2017 for hearing on bail application
and ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody.
Here is the URL of the press release, which contains a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2363-efcc-arraigns-suspected-fraudster-over-n2-5m-fraud
****************************************
27 FEB 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
$330,000 Fraud: Appeal Court Affirms Conviction of Ex-Lagos
Court’s Registrar, Oluronke Rosolu
The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has dismissed an application
filed by a former Lagos court registrar, Oluronke Rosulu, who was sentenced
to 10 years imprisonment by an Ikeja High Court for defrauding a former
Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi( retd.) of $330,000.
Rosolu had been convicted by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of the Lagos
High Court, Ikeja on the two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining
money by false pretences brought against her by the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on December 21, 2015.
Consequently, the appellant, through her lawyer filed a notice of appeal
on December 30, 2015, challenging her conviction.
However, in a judgement delivered today, the Court of Appeal dismissed her
appeal and affirmed the decision of the lower court.
Rosulu had aided Fred Ajudua, a one-time Lagos socialite, to defraud Bamiayi
when they were both remanded at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Lagos for different
offences.
The prosecution had told Justice Lawal-Akapo that Ajudua made a false
representation to Bamaiyi that the $330,000 was the professional fees for
the law firm of Afe Babalola and Co. to facilitate Bamaiyi’s release
from prison, a claim which the firm denied.
During the trial, Rosulu had denied going to the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons
or knowing Ajudua.
However, counsel to the prosecution presented a number of witnesses who
testified that Rosulu went to the prison on different occasions to collect
the money from Bamaiyi on behalf of Ajudua.
While delivering her judgement, Justice Lawal-Akapo had said: "The representation
that she never collected $330,000 from the complainant is deceptive; the accused
could not provide a strong alibi for her whereabouts when the fraud occurred."
"I find the accused guilty as charged. As a registrar of court, the accused
should have been an image maker of the judiciary, but she acted in the contrary."
"On count one, I sentence the accused to 10 years imprisonment and on count two
I sentence the accused to 10 years imprisonment."
"Both sentences are to run concurrently."
Here is the URL of the press release, which includes
a photo, for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2352-330-000-fraud-appeal-court-affirms-conviction-of-ex-lagos-court-s-registrar-oluronke-rosolu
***************************************************
24 FEB 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
$330,000 Fraud: Appeal Court Affirms Conviction of Ex-Lagos Court's
Registrar, Oluronke Rosolu
The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has dismissed an application
filed by a former Lagos court registrar, Oluronke Rosulu, who was sentenced
to 10 years imprisonment by an Ikeja High Court for defrauding a former
Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi( retd.) of $330,000.
Rosolu had been convicted by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of the Lagos High
Court, Ikeja on the two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money by
false pretences brought against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, on December 21, 2015.
Consequently, the appellant, through her lawyer filed a notice of appeal
on December 30, 2015, challenging her conviction.
However, in a judgement delivered today, the Court of Appeal dismissed her
appeal and affirmed the decision of the lower court.
Rosulu had aided Fred Ajudua, a one-time Lagos socialite, to defraud Bamiayi
when they were both remanded at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Lagos for different
offences.
The prosecution had told Justice Lawal-Akapo that Ajudua made a false
representation to Bamaiyi that the $330,000 was the professional fees for
the law firm of Afe Babalola and Co. to facilitate Bamaiyi’s release from
prison, a claim which the firm denied.
During the trial, Rosulu had denied going to the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons
or knowing Ajudua.
However, counsel to the prosecution presented a number of witnesses who
testified that Rosulu went to the prison on different occasions to collect
the money from Bamaiyi on behalf of Ajudua.
While delivering her judgement, Justice Lawal-Akapo had said: "The representation
that she never collected $330,000 from the complainant is deceptive; the accused
could not provide a strong alibi for her whereabouts when the fraud occurred."
"I find the accused guilty as charged. As a registrar of court, the accused
should have been an image maker of the judiciary, but she acted in the contrary."
"On count one, I sentence the accused to 10 years imprisonment and on count two I
sentence the accused to 10 years imprisonment."
"Both sentences are to run concurrently."
Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo,
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2352-330-000-fraud-appeal-court-affirms-conviction-of-ex-lagos-court-s-registrar-oluronke-rosolu
419 Coalition wonders: How in the world ole Fast Freddie Ajudua
managed to generate the energy to orchestrate this 419, seeing as
how the man has been ostensibly on death's door for years now.... :)
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15 FEB 2017
From the 15 FEB press release of the Nigerian Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arrests "Investor" for Alleged $154,146 Fraud...
Places inmate perpetrating fraud from prison under watch
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on February 9,
2017 arrested one Benjamin Aduli for offences bordering on criminal
breach of trust and obtaining by false pretence.
Operatives of the EFCC got wind of his nefarious activities through
a petition by one of his victims. According to the petitioner, Aduli
claimed that he could "help source for a loan facility of $30 million
in Dubai" that would be used to finance Fleet farms, a company belonging
to the petitioner.
Having convinced the potential investor of the "good deal", he demanded
for a contributory fee of $154,146 which he claimed would be remitted
to ABA investment LLC in Dubai as "a condition for accessing the loan".
Not sensing any foul play, the petitioner paid the said sum to a Micro
Finance Bank on the instruction of Aduli, for onward remittance as promised.
However, since payment was made, no loan was provided for the petitioner,
while the money was never returned.
The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are elapsed.
Meanwhile, the EFCC is currently intensifying investigations into the
shady activities of a serial fraudster, Adeolu Adeyanju, who in spite of
being behind bars is still defrauding unsuspecting individuals.
His fraudulent activities out of the prison yard, came to the fore after
a complainant, a friend to a director at the Petroleum Products and Marketing
Company, PPMC, petitioned the EFCC that Adeyanju conned him into paying him
N9 million.
His modus operandi was to clone the telephone number of the director, using
same to instruct the petitioner to "make a payment for 50 trucks of petroleum
products to Detwinx Global Services Limited", which he did.
But on the receipt of the money, Adeyanju found a way to get N7.4 million
transferred to a bureau de change operator, who converted same to its dollar
equivalent, while keeping N1.5 million in his personal account.
The suspect is said to have several aliases with which he uses to defraud
people, and at the moment also has cases pending before the Independent
Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, the Department
of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Police. He would be arraigned as soon
as investigations are concluded.
Here is the RUL of the press release for as long as it
is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2325-efcc-arrests-investor-for-alleged-154-146-fraud-places-inmate-perpetrating-fraud-from-prison-under-watch
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10 FEB 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arraigns Two Suspected Internet Fraudsters for Forgery
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday,
February 10, 2017 arraigned the duo of Elijah Jeremiah and Obasa
Isaiah before Justice M. A. Adegbola of the High Court of Oyo State
sitting in Ibadan, on a 6-count charge bordering on conspiracy to
commit forgery and forgery.
The accuse persons, however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In view of their plea, counsel to EFCC, Oluwatonyin Owodunni asked f
or trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendants in prison
custody. However, counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants, C.C. Amede
and Richarmond Natha-Alade informed the court of their application
for bail and prayed the court to grant the defendants bail.
One of the count reads: "That you, Elijah Jeremiah and Obasa Isaiah
sometime between the month of June and October 2016 at Ibadan within
the Ibadan Judicial Division with intent to facilitate your procurement
of United States' Visa forged an identity card in the name of Elijah
Jeremiah and purported same to have been issued to you by Datsol
Industries Limited"
Elijah and Obasa's journey to the dock followed a petition to the
EFCC alleging that Jeremiah lives an ostentatious life without a
definite job. He is also alleged to be involved in auction sites on
the internet through which he makes online purchases of items from
China. His modus operandi is to download Letters of Credit purportedly
issued by Scotia Online Financial Services of Scotia Bank worldwide
from Google, edits it to suit his purpose of making dubious payments
for purchases. The auctioneers, unaware of his antics however often
fall victim of his game by shipping the goods to him ahead of confirmation
of payment. Obasa, a travel agent became an accomplice by assisting
Jeremiah with forged Identity card and letter of introduction to the US embassy.
Justice Adegbola while adjourning the matter to February 16, 2017 for
ruling on bail application, ordered that the defendants 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/2312-efcc-arraigns-two-suspected-internet-fraudsters-for-forgery
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10 FEB 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
Internet Scam: Fraudster Jailed Two years
A Federal High Court, sitting in Benin-City, Edo State on Thursday
convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment one Osagie Aghedo
Bliss (alias Julbert Stefan, Nesta Gilbert, Isak Krister and Fredrick
Cruso) for conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence.
Bliss was first arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, on 29 January, 2013 on a three- count charge bordering on conspiracy,
possession of fraudulent documents containing false pretences and obtaining
by false pretence. Bliss, upon his arraignment, pleaded not guilty to the
charges
After diligent prosecution by the EFCC, Justice P. I. Ajoku found Bliss
guilty on count one of the charge and consequently convicted and sentenced
him to two years imprisonment without an option of fine. He was discharged
and acquitted on count two and three of the charge.
Bliss was arrested with nineteen others suspected to be involved in internet
fraud at No. 56 Siloko Road, Benin City, Edo State on 19 November, 2012 by
the men of Joint Task Force, JTF, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army following intelligence
reports on their suspected involvement in internet scams. Laptop computers and
phones were recovered from them at the point of arrest and they were handed over
to EFCC, for further investigation and possible prosecution. Meanwhile, the
nineteen others arrested with him, have been charged separately.
Here is the URL of the press release, which includes a photo
for as long as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2309-internet-scam-fraudster-jailed-two-years
419 Coalition Query: And what amount of monies have been recovered
and repatriated to the victims of Mr. Bliss and his fellow 419ers?
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1 FEB 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arraigns Two for Defrauding Foreign National in Romance Scam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday
February 1, 2017 arraigned two suspected internet fraudsters, Chukwudi
Ugwueke and Sophia Ugwueke before Justice A.E.Obile of the Federal
High Court, Warri, Delta State on a 13-count charge bordering on
possession of fraudulent documents and obtaining money by false
pretence to the tune of Six Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty US
Dollars($6,430.00) in a romance scam.
The duo allegedly defrauded their victims by using false identities
to lure innocent foreigners into online romantic relationship.
One of the counts reads: “that you Chukwudi Emmanuel Ugwueke 'm'
(a. K.a) James Scott and Sophia Ugwueke 'f' on or about 9th of February,
2016 at Sapele, Delta State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
court did posses documents containing false representation as James Scott,
which said representation you made to L. M. Nors and obtained the sum of
$2,600.00 (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.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read
to them.
Justice Obile granted each of the accused persons bail in the sum of
Two Million Naira with two sureties in like sum.
The sureties must have landed properties within the jurisdiction of
this court, which will be verified by the court.
The matter was adjourned to the 7th of March, 2017 for trial, while the
accused are to be remanded in prison custody pending the fulfilment of
their bail conditions.
Here is the URL of the press release for as long
as it is good:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2297-efcc-arraigns-two-for-defrauding-foreign-national-in-romance-scam
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23 JAN 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
Suspected Fraudster Docked for $267,000 Love Scam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday,
23 January, 2017 arraigned Akintunde Vincent Abiodun before
Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of Lagos State High court Ikeja on
amended charge bordering on forgery and obtaining money by
false pretence.
The 37-year-old HND holder from Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo
State, is said to have defrauded the victim, D. Bonnici of $267,000
(Two Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand New Zealand Dollars by claiming
to be Christopher Williams from United Kingdom.
According to the complainant, she met Akintunde in a dating site
on the internet and allegedly fell in love with him. She said the
accused started collecting money from her after he claimed he was
in possession of gemstone worth $18,050,000 (Eighteen Million and
Fifty Thousand United States Dollars), which he purportedly inherited
from his father.
She further said, Akintunde hoodwinked her into believing that he
was coming to New Zealand to settle down with her.
She alleged that the money she sent to the suspect were received
in Malaysia and Nigeria by persons bearing Norisha, Jalan Klan,
and Mohammed Haizam Bin Fauzin. All of them claimed to be friends
of Akintunde.
When the 14 charges were read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.
In view of the plea, the prosecuting counsel, Sesan Ola prayed the
court to remand the defendant in prison custody and also for a trial
date to be given.
Counsel to the defendant, O.P. Daramola however prayed the court to
grant the defendant bail.
But the prosecution opposed the bail application on the grounds that
the defendant had attempted to travel to the United States while on
administrative bail and was similarly denied a Canadian visa.
Justice Ipaye consequently dismissed the bail application while
ordering the defendant be remanded in Kirikiri prison custody.
The matter was adjourned to 7 and 8 March, 2017 for trial.
Here is the URL of the press release, which includes
a photo:
https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/news/2280-suspected-fraudster-docked-for-267-000-love-scam
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12 JAN 2017
From the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC):
EFCC Arrests Three Suspected Internet Fraudsters
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan Zonal
Office has apprehended a gang of internet fraudsters comprising
the trio of Davies Ayomide Rapheal, Adeyemi Adewumi Segun and Oyewole
Segun who allegedly engage in phony online purchases from designated
auction sites.
The suspects confessed to have accomplices abroad. They were arrested
by the operatives of the Commission at different locations following
tip-off.
Rapheal, the arrow head of the gang, prowls on the internet particularly
on Craigslist- an online sale and purchase sites, where items ranging
from cars and furniture are being displayed for sale.
His words: "I usually pose like a genuine buyer and engage any seller
in a bid to purchase a car. After the seller had agreed to the terms
of purchase, I go online to edit any PayPal receipt online to reflect
whatever agreement reached which includes cost of purchase and the
accrued percentage for shipping. Our cohorts abroad, collect the
shipping cost which had been added to the cost of the car on the
PayPal receipt and send it to either Adeyemi or Oyewole who receives
it in Nigeria for us to share."
An indigene of Ipetumodu, Osun State, Raphael, 27, said he had to
recruit his co-travelers, Adeyemi and Oyewole into the Syndicate
in order to raise money to pursue his dream of becoming a music star,
having dropped out of school.
He confessed to have made about N2.5million from the various scams
from which he bought a car, Honda Accord (EOD) with registration number
EKY437EA, and a Phantom 5 phone.
Adeyemi and Oyewole who hail from Ondo and Ibadan respectively, also
confessed to be members of the Syndicate.
Aside being part of the auction scam, Adeyemi, 27, stated that he was
also into romance scam and had fleeced some unsuspecting victims of their
money, the latest being $250 that he got from an Australian.
On his part, Oyewole, 31, confessed that he collects their proceeds
through his account domiciled in one of the new generation banks. According
to him, his share in the latest 'deal' was N247,000 which was ten percent
of the sum realised.
The suspects 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/2264-efcc-arrests-three-suspected-internet-fraudsters
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1 JAN 2017
419 Coalition would like to open 2017 with yet another
plea for justice, recovery, and restitution, in the famous
Odiawa case.......
According to private reports received by 419 Coalition from trusted
sources, the EFCC has still not recovered even $1.00 to repatriate
in the famous Odiawa case.
Readers will recall that the Odiawa case of over a decade ago was
one of the few in which the 419er was convicted in Nigeria and went
to prison. Restitution was ordered by the Court at that time.
However, the Nigerian Government and the EFCC have been unable
to recover and repatriate even $1.00 to the victim as of
January 2017.
Yes, you heard that right, - over $2 million was stolen by this convicted
419er, and the vaunted EFCC, in over a decade, could not even find $1.00
to recover and repatriate to the victim. Neither 419er money, nor real
estate, nor anything of any real value could be found. Nothing....
The main man in charge of the EFCC's recovery and repatriation effort
in this case was Mr. Olaolu Adegbite, who headed up the Advance
Fee Fraud section of the EFCC from 2003 until March 2012, when he
was promoted to Director of Operations of the EFCC. We're not too
sure exactly what factors led to Mr. Adegbite's promotion, but his
performance in the recovery and restitution phase of the Odiawa case
certainly could not have been among them, given that there were no
tangible results to show for his efforts in that regard....
In fact, EFCC looked so long in its fruitless search for Odiawa's tainted
assets that he finished up his jail sentence awhile back and has gone
his merry way. Guess he is living on air or something though, since
according to the EFCC he has no assets to seize to pay restitution
out of.
Let us hope that 2017 will be the victim's lucky year and that the EFCC
will see to it that the court ordered restitution actually gets paid.
You know, even in the unlikely event that Odiawa actually does have no
assets to seize, the EFCC claims to have something like $700 million in
unclaimed monies recovered from 419ers sitting in escrow someplace....
at 419 Coalition, we say pay the restitution out of That - after all,
it is victims' money, not Nigerian government money. So use it to
compensate victims - and those with Court Ordered Restitution should
be at the top of the list, our view!
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