Police smash Lagos cybercrime syndicate, nab 3 suspects

By Deborah Akpede

Three suspects allegedly involved in a coordinated cyber fraud network involving romance scams, account manipulation, and cryptocurrency-related fraud have been arrested by operatives of Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.

Also 98 pieces of suspected counterfeit 100-dollar notes, suspected Indian hemp, and smoking paraphernalia were also recovered from the suspects.

The arrest of the suspects followed sustained efforts to combat fraud-related offences within Lagos and Ogun, AIG in charge of the Zone, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Gbenga Afolayan the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects was carried out by operatives of the Zonal Intelligence Department (ZID) on Jan. 7, following credible intelligence.

According to him, the operation which was conducted around the Lekki-Ajah axis of the state, led to the arrest of the suspects of ages 24, 33 and 36.

He said the 24-year-old suspect was initially intercepted along Chevron Drive while driving a Porsche vehicle.

“He confessed to involvement in cybercrime activities.

“A subsequent search of his residence led to the arrest of the two other suspects, ” he said.

The AIG said all three suspects admitted to playing different roles in a coordinated cyber fraud network involving romance scams, account manipulation, and cryptocurrency-related fraud.

“Investigations revealed that the 24-year-old suspect coordinated cyber fraud operations and created fraudulent accounts, while the 33-year-old handled financial transactions and managed illicit fund collections.

“The 36-year-old was responsible for cryptocurrency-related scams executed through platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, and online banking channels, ” Jimoh said.

The police boss said that several exhibits were recovered during the operation.

“Exhibits recovered are three HP laptops, one Apple MacBook, two tablets, nine iPhones containing evidence of criminal activity, and devices used for fraudulent transactions

“Others include six international passports, Lagos State vehicle number plates (LSR 235 JM, FKJ 558 JK), three dealer plate numbers, military camouflage, a mini printer, and a toy gun.

According to him, investigations are ongoing in collaboration with relevant agencies to verify the counterfeit currency and examine the suspected illicit drugs.

AIG Jimoh assured that the suspects would be prosecuted upon completion of investigations, adding that efforts were underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the command to intensify the fight against cybercrime and other fraud-related offences across its jurisdiction.

(NAN)