The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested seven suspects linked to an online investment scam centre in Agbor, Delta State.
Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed the arrests at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, saying the operation followed an investigation supported by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and intelligence from Meta.
The suspects, identified as Collins Ogwuorie, Christian Ogwuorie, Gbenoba Emmanuel, Samuel Olufemi, Collins Victor, Onyeka Emenem, and Kefas Ogunbor, allegedly operated a network that used fake social media accounts to impersonate reputable cryptocurrency traders and defraud victims. The group targeted individuals engaging with legitimate investment platforms, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Hundeyin said Collins Ogwuorie led the syndicate, procuring around 500 social media accounts for recruits to conduct spamming, impersonation, and online engagement. Members were also trained in retirement investment fraud and phishing techniques. The group reportedly operated a fraudulent Facebook group titled “RETIREMENT STRATEGIES: REAL ESTATE AND MARKET INSIGHTS,” where fabricated testimonials were used to lure victims into making financial investments.
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Items recovered during the operation included 26 mobile phones, 42 SIM cards, and a laptop. Investigations are ongoing, and the public has been advised to exercise caution when engaging in online investment platforms.
Meta and the UK National Crime Agency welcomed the arrests, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in disrupting transnational cybercrime networks. The NCA noted that the arrests were part of its ongoing collaboration with Nigerian authorities under the UK-Nigeria Fraud Memorandum of Understanding signed last year.