The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu on Monday September 2, 2019 disclosed that the Commission
has arrested a suspected female cyber fraudster who was recently disclared
wanted by the Federal Bureau of investigation, FIB, in Benin City, Edo State.
He stated that the identity of the lady was withheld for now because
investigations were still ongoing.
Magu stated this in Benin City while addressing the media on the
Commission’s efforts to rid the society of economic and financial crimes
and its collaboration with the FBI.
Magu revealed that the arrested suspect, ” is involved in obtaining/stealing
People’s identification information which she forward to her American
collaborator. Her collaborator uses it to file for fraudulent tax return with
the Internal Revenue Service. She received as her cut, 185 Bitcoin which by
current market value is N656,371,490″.
The Acting Chairman who was represented by the Zonal Head, Muhtar Bello
said the Commission between January and August 2019 arrested 113 internet
fraudsters in Edo, Delta and Ondo states , and secured the conviction of
53 in court. “Over 30 exotic cars were confiscated from the
suspects. Other items recovered from them are lap tops computers, mobile
phones flash, drive, internet modem and charms”, he said.
He also revealed that the Commission Independently arrested a cyber criminal
and two siblings who are involved in Business Email Compromise, BEC.
“Their modus operandi was searching for victims email addresses especially
Official Business Email addresses, create a phishing link and
compromising the process in order to defraud unsuspecting victims.”
Using graphic illustrations, the Acting Chairman educated journalists on
how funds move from “hackers, farmers, and the
pickers”. He said the education became necessary because the Commission
will soon begin clampdown on those who appear to have legitimate businesses
such as hotels, real estate, casino, oil and gas but were international
fraudsters.
Magu said the Commission was resolute in exterminating cybercrimes and appealed
to the media and all patriotic Nigerians to to join hands with the Commission
to eradicate the malaise.
