AGBOR, Nigeria — The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCC) has arrested seven suspects in connection with a cryptocurrency fraud syndicate, authorities announced.
The suspects include Collins Ogwuorie, Christian Ogwuorie, Gbenoba Emmanuel, Samuel Olufemi, Collins Victor, Onyeka Emenem, and Kefas Ogunbor. Preliminary investigations indicate the syndicate operated a sophisticated online scam network led by Collins Ogwuorie, who has a history of online criminal deception.
The arrests were supported by the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA) and information provided by Meta, parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects operated a scam centre in Agbor, Delta State, using fake social media accounts to impersonate legitimate cryptocurrency traders. Victims, including residents of the U.S. and U.K., were lured into fraudulent investments.
“The leaders of this network expanded operations by recruiting and training young individuals in retirement investment fraud techniques and distribution of phishing attacks targeting victims from the United States of America based in the United Kingdom along with U.K. residents,” Hundeyin said.
Investigators found that Ogwuorie obtained 500 social media accounts from online vendors and distributed them among recruits to coordinate spamming, impersonation, and victim engagement. Both Ogwuories held key operational roles, managing accounts and engaging victims online.
The syndicate also ran a fraudulent Facebook group titled “Retirement Strategies: Real Estate And Market Insights”, posting fake testimonials to convince victims to invest.
During the operation, NPF-NCC detectives recovered 26 mobile phones, 42 SIM cards, and one laptop, all suspected to have been used in the commission of the crimes.
