Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Centre has dismantled a sophisticated online investment fraud syndicate in Agbor, Delta State, through a joint operation with British authorities and Meta.
Police
Seven suspects were arrested in the raid targeting a network that allegedly defrauded victims in Nigeria, the UK, US, and beyond of millions via social media deception.
Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin revealed the syndicate trained youths in retirement investment scams and phishing, using impersonation of crypto traders to target victims.
Suspects identified include alleged mastermind Collins Ogwuorie, Christian Ogwuorie, Gbenoba Emmanuel, Samuel Olufemi, Collins Victor, Onyeka Emenem, and Kefas Ogunbor.
Ogwuorie reportedly bought hundreds of social media accounts for recruits to spam victims and run the fake “Retirement Strategies: Real Estate and Market Insights” Facebook group with bogus testimonials.
Recovered items: 26 phones, 42 SIM cards, one laptop used for coordination.
NPF-NCC Director Ifeanyi Henry Uche said probes continue, with more arrests possible from digital forensics.
Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun lauded the effort, urging public caution on unverified online investments.
Meta’s Sylvia Musalagani stressed collaborative takedowns against evolving scams, while UK’s National Crime Agency rep Matt Mountain pledged ongoing partnership.
