Nigerian Arrested by EFCC Over $8 Million Fraud Targeting Australians

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended Osang Otukpa, a suspected online fraudster, for allegedly defrauding 139 Australians out of AUD 8,000,000.

 

Otukpa was arrested at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon his arrival from the United States on Friday, December 6, 2024. According to a statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, Otukpa operated under five aliases: Ford Thompson, Oscar Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson, to carry out his fraudulent activities.

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The EFCC revealed that Otukpa lured his victims through social media, enticing them to invest in his bogus cryptocurrency investment platform, Liquid Asset Group. The illicit proceeds were funneled through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform into his bank accounts.

 

Oyewale stated, “Operatives of EFCC have arrested a suspected online fraudster, Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly duping 139 Australians to the tune of AUD 8,000,000. He was picked up in a stakeout at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos upon arrival from the United States of America on Friday, December 6, 2024.”

 

Further investigations revealed that Otukpa used multiple aliases to deceive his victims, a tactic that allowed him to build trust and legitimacy falsely. The EFCC has been tracking Otukpa’s activities for several months, leading to his arrest upon re-entry into Nigeria.

 

Otukpa’s arrest is part of a broader EFCC initiative to clamp down on cyber fraud, which has become increasingly sophisticated. The Commission has urged the public to remain vigilant against such scams and to report suspicious activities promptly.

 

The EFCC assures that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. This arrest underscores the EFCC’s commitment to protecting individuals from financial fraud and ensuring justice is served.

 

This development highlights the importance of regulatory bodies in combating online fraud and safeguarding the financial well-being of global communities. The EFCC continues to collaborate with international agencies to track and apprehend fraudsters operating across borders, aiming to maintain integrity within the financial system.

 

For more updates and details on the progress of this case, stay tuned to our latest news section. Your trust and security are our top priorities.