Scam Alert: TrustCoin Africa Limited, registered in South Africa out to defraud across the Continent

A Registered South Africa company

TrustCoin Africa Limited is out scamming across many countries in Africa and beyond. Notably the so called company is operating and receiving investments from unsuspecting citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya  and South Africa among others.

 The company is registered in South Africa with number SA83377770, according to the website ( https://trustcoinafrica.com/about )

Aside receiving payments in a cryptocurrency Bitcoin, in Nigeria the scam TrustCoin Africa Limited is also receiving cash through a Sterling Bank account number: 8511001179. The Account Name is EDIRI VIGHOR.

For BTC, the company is using an account with Luno. It has three levels of investment circles: three days, seven days and thirty days.

TrustCoin Africa Limited claimed it's offices are located in South Africa and United States:

South Africa — 47 Openview Drive, Hogsfront, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

US —  8145 Beechwood Lane, Plymouth, MA 02360, Massachusetts, United States.

 Phone: +1 5143124165

Name of the Principal Officer: Francisco David.

Reliably gathered, the site has not been paying any investors for the past 4 weeks and still counting whatever current payment claims are just computer manipulations via algorithm.

All other online reviews by the Scam Alerts clearly revealed the organisation to be a scam as it offers unrealistic returns on investments .

The Nigeria's anti corruption agencies especially the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC ) should look into how to halt the activities of TrustCoin Africa Limited in Nigeria and through interpol bring the perpetrator (s) to book.

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Court Jails Five for Internet Fraud in Kaduna

Justices R.M Aikawa and A. Isiaka on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 convicted and sentenced five internet fraudsters to prison in Kaduna. 

Justice Aikawa of the Federal High Court Kaduna sentenced and convicted the trio of Molwat Terah Sati, Zumshak Paul Wankof and Chidi Tochukwu Emmanuel, while Abraham Daniel (a.k.a Eric Wallace) and Amos Wisdom (a.k.a Laura Lute) were convicted by Justice Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court.

 

All the convicts were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on one-count separate charges, bordering on internet crimes.

 

Sati’s charge reads: “That you Molwat Terah Sati (a.k.a Helena Bialas) sometime in April, 2024 at Bankers Apartment, Reyfield, Jos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Helena Bialas on Facebook (an online social media platform) to unsuspecting members of the public with intent to gain advantage for yourself and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc)Act, 2015.”

 

That of Wisdom reads: “That you Wisdom (a.k.a. Laura Lute) sometimes between April and May, 2023 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did commit an offence to wit: cheating by impersonation when you falsely represented yourself as Laura Lute (a pornstar) on Facebook (an online social media platform) and in such assumed identity induced unsuspecting victims in the public to send to you the total sum of N 3,155,340.00 ( Three Million, One Hundred and Fifty Five Thousand Three Hundred and Forty Naira ) only, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law.” 

 

They all pleaded “guilty” to their respective charges,  prompting prosecution counsel M.J Argungu and M.Lawal to urge the courts to convict and sentence them accordingly. 

 

Justices Aikawa convicted and sentenced Emmanuel to seven years imprisonment or a fine of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira). He handed Wankof three years imprisonment or a fine of N450,000.00, (Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). He also forfeited $200( Two Hundred United States Dollars) to the federal government, while Sati got three years imprisonment or a fine of N400,000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira).

 

Similarly, Justice Isiaka convicted and sentenced Daniel to three years imprisonment or a fine of N150,000.00, (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and sentenced Wisdom to five years imprisonment or a fine of N 300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira).

Additionally, Wisdom is to restitute the sum of N2,300,000 ( Two Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira) to the victim.

 

All the convicts forfeited their phones, being the tools of their crimes to the federal government.

 

The road to jail began for Sati, Wankof and Emmanuel when they were arrested in Jos, Plateau State, while that of Daniel and Wisdom began after they were picked up in Kaduna metropolis, following credible intelligence on their fraudulent internet activities.

Source: EFCC 

Binance Executive loses Fundamental Suit against EFCC

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 dismissed the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the Africa Regional Manager of Binance Holdings Limited, Nadeem Anjarwalla (at large), against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the National Security Adviser.

Justice Ekwo, in a short ruling, dismissed the suit for lack of diligent prosecution.

At the last court’s session, March 28, 2024, Anjarwalla’s counsel, Tonye Krukrubo (SAN), had sought leave of the court to withdraw his appearance in the matter and the application was granted.

He said the matter was adjourned till Wednesday, June 19, 2024 for mention but no lawyer appeared for the applicant.

The Binance Executive and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, had filed separate human rights enforcement suits against the EFCC and NSA, seeking an order to release them from detention.

The two crypto-exchange executives, in the suits marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24, sued the ONSA and EFCC as first and second respondents.

Kukrubo, whose appearance on Wednesday was solely for Gambaryan, moved a motion seeking to amend his client-originating process, a request the EFCC lawyer, Olarewanju Adeola, opposed.

Justice Ekwo, however, granted Krukrubo’s request to amend his application.

He held that parties, by law, were entitled to amend their processes before judgment.

The court, however, fined Gambaryan the sum of N50, 000 to be paid to the EFCC for joining issues in the matter.

Justice Ekwo held that the fine must be paid before the next adjourned date of July 9.

Both Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, in their separate fundamental rights enforcement applications, sought a declaration that their detention and the seizure of their international travel passport contravened Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

They claimed the act amounted to a violation of their fundamental rights to personal liberty as guaranteed by the constitution, among others.

Anjarwalla and Gambaryan are both United States citizens working for Binance, a crypto exchange platform.

The duo were arraigned on a 5-count charge bordering on alleged tax evasion, currency speculation and money laundering to the tune of $34,400,000 (Thirty-Four Million, Four Hundred Thousand United States Dollars).

When they were first arrested, they were kept in the custody of the NSA, however, Anjarwalla absconded from lawful custody on March 22, 2024, to Kenya.

Source: EFCC 

Alleged $5m Fraud: Court Dismisses Defendant’s Application Challenging Jurisdiction

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, June 13, 2024, dismissed the application filed by Capt. Everest Nnaji , a second defendant in a $5m fraud trial, challenging the territorial jurisdiction of the court to hear the case filed against him and one Victor Uadiale.

The defendants are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on an amended five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of $5 million.

One of the counts reads: "That you, Victor  Uadiale (aka Victor Emeka/Amaka Emeka), Captain Everest Nnaji and Ismail Lawal (now at large), between 22nd April and 12th day of October 1998, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of $1,292,000.00 (One Million, Two Hundred and Ninety-two Thousand United States Dollar) from  Tawfeeq A. Al-Omar, a Kuwaiti national, by falsely representing to him that the said sum represented payment for Urea Phosphate fertilizer, which you claimed was procured from National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria (NAFCON), Port Harcourt and Bonny Light crude oil, which pretext you knew to be false and committed an offence contrary to  Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, No. 13 of 1995 as amended by Act No. 62 of 1999."

They pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them when they were first arraigned on December 14, 2018, and maintained the same plea to the amended charges.

The victim, Tawfeeq A. Al-Omar, a Kuwaiti national, had testified as the first prosecution witness, narrating how he unwittingly fell into the trap of parting with his money.

The prosecution led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had on September 28, 2022, closed its case after calling six witnesses and tendering several documentary evidence against them.

The defence, however, filed a no-case submission.

Justice Dada had, on March 23, 2023, dismissed the no-case submission filed by the defendants as lacking merit and also ordered them to open their defence.

Though the first defendant had begun his testimony denying the charges preferred against him, the application of the second defendant challenging jurisdiction remained pending.

The second defendant had argued that the charge was incompetent and urged the court to strike out his name from the charge sheet.

The prosecution, through its counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, however, prayed the court to order the second defendant to open his defence.

Delivering ruling on Thursday, Justice Dada held that the application was only intended to stall the trial and “it, therefore, fails and is hereby dismissed.”

The case was adjourned till Thursday, October 3, 2024 for continuation of trial.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Charges Casino, Gaming Operators on Compliance With AML/ CFT Regulations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has charged operators in both the casino and gaming sectors in the country to comply with  Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) laws in their operations.

This call was made in Lagos on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at a workshop tagged “Promoting Implementation of Customer Due Diligence and Targeted Financial Sanctions (TFS) Requirements in Casinos and Gaming Sector" organized by the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), a Department in the EFCC.

Speaking at the occasion, Michael T. Wetkas,  acting Lagos Zonal Director of the EFCC,  who declared the workshop open, said: “ We acknowledge and appreciate your significant contributions to the nation's economic growth.  However, we urge you to ensure that your operations align with the provisions of the law”.

Wetkas, who was represented by Richard  Adejumo, Head, Foreign Exchange Malpractices Section, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Command, added that “Our goal is to support Nigeria's efforts to exit the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) list. A key area of focus is enhancing Know Your Customer (KYC) practices, which will help prevent Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) from using your platforms for money laundering and embezzlement."

Earlier, Pascal Samu, acting Deputy Director, SCUML, EFCC Headquarters, said: “This event must be seen as part of the continued partnership between SCUML and  stakeholders in the gaming industry towards the development of an effective, sustainable and mutually beneficial AML/CFT supervision of the sector in Nigeria.”

He further explained that as industry operators, they must continue to promote the adoption of measures, such as customers’ due diligence, detection and filing of suspicious transaction reports, implementation of targeted financial sanction and beneficial ownership verification, among others.

According to him, “This will strengthen your compliance and build a common formidable response against terrorist financiers and other criminal elements seeking to abuse the sector.”

He also stated that the workshop, in addition to building individual operator’s capacity, would also enable a cross-fertilization of ideas and experience-sharing across the industry.”

In his remarks,  Bashiru Are, Executive Director of Lagos State Lotteries Board, LSLB, urged the participants to take the issue of compliance seriously.

In her presentation titled “Overview of Typology Studies( Corruption and Money Laundering)”,  Ibinabo Mary Amachree, Head, SCUML Lagos, exposed  participants to the  various methods, patterns, and techniques that criminals use in exploiting casinos operators and how to avoid falling prey to them.

She also encouraged participants to support the EFCC in its efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.

Folashade Oluwasanya, a senior Compliance Officer with SCUML, Lagos, delivered a lecture on “ Implementing Targeted Financial  Sanctions in the Casino Sector”, while  Sylvester Akpan, also an officer in SCUML, Lagos, spoke on “ The Importance  of Know Your Customers,KYC,/ Customer Due Diligence”.

 

Source: EFCC 

How EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture of N204.8m, 15 Properties for Fraud Victims

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday June 10, 2024 secured the final forfeiture of  the sum of N204, 849, 859:00 (Two Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty-nine Naira), 15 properties and eight high-end vehicles before Justice Inyang.E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja for  fraud victims.

 

The properties, money and vehicles were recovered from Jedidiah Ibrahim Ezenwa, which he illegitimately acquired through his companies: Jedidiah Cement Industry Ltd., Omega Global Resources, Jedidiah Universal Transport Hephz Ltd, Afrinvest Asset Management Ltd, The Gurguru Company Ltd, Josien Holdings Ltd, Prince Hephzibah Ibrahim Ezenwa and Prime Ebulah Properties Ltd from his victims, Ibrahim Amusan, Afri Invest Ltd, Joisen Holdings Ltd and Jack Welch Petroleum Services Ltd.

The properties include: four bedroom ensuite apartment at Guzape, Asokoro New Extension, Abuja; five bedroom semi-detached duplex and one- room boys quarter in Chevy View Estate; Block LXX, Plot 19-20, Buckingham Court F, Sherifat Animashaun Street, Ajtran, Eti-osa Local Government Area,  LGA, Lagos; one unit of four- bedroom terrace duplex – Block B, House 3 at No. 15, Chief Bamidele Eletu Avenue, Osapa – Lekki, Lagos; three bedroom apartment on Plot 7, Block XXii, Oniru Chieftaincy Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos; and a five bedroom semi-detached duplex and one- room boys quarter on Block LXX, Plot 21-23, Buckingham Court B, Sherifat Animashaun Street, Chevy View Estate, Ajtran, Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos, State.

Others are: four bedroom terrace duplex, located on Plot No. 48 Block R, Federal Sites and Services Scheme, Federal Housing Estate (Malaysian Estate), Benin – Asaba Expressway Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A, Delta State; four bedroom terrace duplex located on Plot No. 18A Block S, Core Area, Federal Sites and Services Scheme, Federal Housing Estate (Malaysian Estate), Benin – Asaba Expressway Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A, Delta State, and Sub-plot No. TRCD29/Plot No. 4851 located on Citiscape Villa, Guzape District, Cadastral Zone A09, FCT.

The eight vehicles include: one white SLK 350 Mercedes Benz; one black Selverado 4x4 Hilux; one Hummer Jeep, H3 black; BMW X6 Wine Red SUV; one black CLS 63 Mercedes Benz; one cobalt ITZ Chevrolet saloon, a BMW Z40 IL black and white, and one Mercedes Benz G-Wagon SUV, Chassis No. WDCYC7AFZAX183776 (BLACK).

The final forfeiture of the properties were granted by the court through EFFC’s  counsel, Ibrahim Buba  who had earlier secured an interim order of forfeiture which was  followed up with a publication in national dailies for anyone to show cause why the properties and items should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government.

With no objection coming from any quarters within the court-stipulated time frame, the Commission applied to the court for their final forfeiture to the victims

Jerry U. Musa, a defence counsel,  showed up for the defendants during the final forfeiture proceedings and objected to

 EFCC’s power to investigate the case, which he described as “a mere breach of contract.”

Justice Ekwo, who disagreed with the defence counsel held that “It is a contract scam and the EFCC had power to investigate and prosecute it by virtue of Section 6 of its Establishment Act.” The judge further held that the EFCC through its counsel Buba convinced the court that the money, properties and vehicles were proceeds of crime.  He thereafter ordered them to be finally forfeited to the victims through the Federal Government.

The journey to the final forfeiture began when the victims petitioned the Commission, alleging conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, fraudulent conversion of funds and money laundering against the defendants.

Investigations showed that the first defendant, Jedidiah Ibrahim Ezenwa had approached the petitioner, Ibrahim Amusan through Messrs Hamilton Resources International for purchase of United States Dollars, having claimed to be a dealer  in foreign currency. On the strength of his claim, the petitioners transferred a total sum of N1, 904, 090, 000. 00 (One Billion, Nine Hundred and Four Million, Ninety Thousand Naira) to the second defendant, Jedidiah Cement Industry Ltd in exchange for an equivalent amount in dollars.

Furthermore, Afri Invest Ltd, Hakan & Bath Ltd and Jack Welch Petroleum Services Ltd through the petitioner, later

 transferred the sum of N1, 274, 090, 000. 00 (One Billion, Two Hundred and Seventy-four Million, Ninety Thousand Naira) to the second defendant's Unity Bank account number  in exchange for United States Dollars.

However, instead of the first defendant and his companies providing the petitioners with the dollar equivalent of the funds as captured in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the parties, he converted the funds to his personal use by acquiring properties and vehicles with the money.

 

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests Four Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, June 6,  2024, arrested four suspected internet fraudsters in Abuja.

The suspects were arrested during a sting operation at the Kubwa axis of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  Abuja, following intelligence and surveillance on their alleged fraudulent activities in the area.

Items recovered from the suspects include four brands of mobile phone.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 

Source: EFCC 

Oyo Courts Jail 36 Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of thirty-six (36) internet fraudsters to various jail terms before Justices Uche Agomoh and E.U. Akpan of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State;  Ladiran Akintola, K.B. Olawoyin, Bayo Taiwo and O.S. Adeyemi of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan.

The convicts are Ayodele Victor Ayodeji, Adebayo Kazeem Akanbi, Ajayi Charles Temitayo, Rokeeb Olamide Taiwo, Olaleye Adedolapo Emmanuel, Emiade Azeez Ayotunde, Azeez Ademola, Afolabi Mayowa Akinbobola, Shittu Waheed Adeleke, Franklyn Ibeh Kelechi, Olanrewaju Olaitan Quadri, Olawale Elijah Seyi Awofolaju, Samuel Olayemi Ademeso, Akindele Timothy Olatunde, Sholeye Gideon Olamilekan, Waheed Olamide Ahmod, Lawal Paul Jelili, Asaju Muhammad Numan and Badejo Adefemi Emmanuel.

Others are: Gomina Dennis Ozaveshe, Adio Hassan Taiwo, Adio Kehinde Hozaine, Adewunmi Adeboye Gabriel, John Oluwatimilehin Moses, Odeniyi Faruk Idowu, Owodunni Monsuru Abiodun, Sanwiyu Niyi Owonifari, Adeyinka Adewale Olujobi, Ogunbiyi Segun Joseph, Ayomide Oniyitan Oluwatosin, Badmus Faruk Kayode, Jimoh Sylvester Enahoro, Azeta Sunday Osaremeh, Lukuman Olatemo, Emmanuel Ebgiri Ogah and Ayomide Ibrahim Ishola.

The charge against Ayomide Ibrahim Ishola reads: “That you, Ayomide Ibrahim Ishola on or about October, 2018, in Ibadan within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, falsely represented yourself as a female from the United States of America with the name Lawrence Janet to one Ralph Wells via your Google Chat account, which representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence of impersonation contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”

They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents, impersonation and aiding in committing an offence upon arraignment by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC between April 24 and May 29, 2024.

All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them in court as prosecution counsel:  Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Modupe Akinkoye, Oyelakin Oyediran, Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, Shamsuddeen, Umar Abiso, Abiddeen Muhammad, Adamu Sahabi, Fatima Baba, David Olubode and Favour Adewunmi prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

Consequently, Justice Agomoh convicted and sentenced Joseph, Oluwatosin and Kayode to one year imprisonment each without an option of fine, Enahoro to ten months imprisonment, while Osaremeh bagged six months imprisonment and Olatemo to four months imprisonment without an option of fine.

Also, Justice Akpan convicted and sentenced Owonifari to one and a half years imprisonment and Abiodun to one year imprisonment or a fine of N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira).

Furthermore, Justice Olawoyin convicted and sentenced Ishola to one and a half years imprisonment or a fine of N1, 500, 000.00 (One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) and Olujobi bagged six months imprisonment or a fine of N400, 000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira).

Justice Adeyemi convicted and sentenced Hozaine, Gabriel, Idowu and Ogah to six months community service each without an option of fine, as Idowu forfeited a silver coloured Toyota Camry car with registration number: GBE – 334 – AE to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

More so, Justice Taiwo convicted and sentenced Ozaveshe to four months community service or a fine of N150, 000.00 (One hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and Taiwo to five months community service or a fine of N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).

Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Adedolapo Emmanuel, Ayotunde, Ademola, Kelechi, Quadri and Moses to one year imprisonment each or fines of N50, 000. 00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), N20, 000. 00 (Twenty Thousand Naira), N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira), N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and N120, 000.00 (One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira) respectively.

Also, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Olamide Taiwo, Akinbobola and Adefemi Emmanuel to six months community service each or fines of N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and N60, 000 .00 (Sixty Thousand Naira) respectively.

Furthermore, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Ayodeji, Akanbi and Adeleke to three months community service each or a fine of N20, 000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) each, while Temitayo, Awofolaju, and Jelili bagged three months community service each or a fine of N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) each.

Also, Olamilekan, Ahmod and Numan were convicted and sentenced to three months community service each or a fine of N25, 000.00 (Twenty-five Thousand Naira) each, while Ademeso also bagged three months community service or a fine of N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) and Olatunde to three months community service or a fine of N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira).

Ayotunde forfeited one black Lexus ES 350 car with registration number: GGE – 665 – GY, Quadri forfeited a brown ES 300 vehicle with registration number: MEK – 39 – LK while Moses forfeited a Toyota Camry car with registration number: BDG – 144 – GF.

Also, Adefemi Emmanuel forfeited one grey coloured Lexus RX 300 vehicle with registration number: LND – 940 – CD with Chassis number: JT6HF1042YO11941, Abiodun forfeited a brown Mercedes Benz with Chassis number: WDC0G4K9GF102450, while Ishola forfeited a grey colour Toyota Highlander with registration number: RSH – 857 – CV.

Furthermore, Enahoro forfeited an ash coloured  Toyota Camry with registration number: ABC – 658 – SE and Osaremeh forfeited one silver Honda Accord with registration number: KTU – 773 – DN among others to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 

All the convicts bagged their imprisonment when they were arrested by operatives of the Commission for internet-related offences.  They were charged to court and convicted.

 

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 35 for Alleged Internet in Plateau

The Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Command have arrested a total of 35 suspects for alleged cybercrimes in Plateau State. The suspects comprise 32 males and three females. 

 

They were rounded up along Bauchi Road Bye Pass in Jos, Plateau State capital. Their arrest followed actionable intelligence on their fraudulent activities. 

 

Items found in their possession upon arrest include 47 phones, five laptops, two macbooks, one black 406 Peugeot saloon car with registration number JJN 140 BX, one black Mercedes Benz car with registration number BSA 331 AG and one blue 2007 Model Toyota Camry without number plate. 

 

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 

Source: EFCC 

NOT INSIDE ASO—ROCK: EFCC Arrests 40 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, May 31, 2024 arrested 40 suspected internet fraudsters at different axes of Abuja.

While 18 of them were arrested at Dawaki axis , the remaining 12 were arrested at other locations of Abuja.

Their arrest followed credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet activities.

Items seized from the suspects include 23 phones, 4 laptops and 4 vehicles.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 23 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Enugu

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty-three (23) suspected internet fraudsters in Enugu State.

The suspects were arrested on May 10, 2024 in Igboeze, Nsukka and Enugu metropolis following actionable intelligence concerning their alleged online criminal activities.

Items recovered from them include; three cars, mobile phones, laptops, one Point Of Sale (POS) machine and several incriminating documents.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded 

Source: EFCC

EFCC Arrests 23 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ebonyi

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested twenty-three (23) suspected internet fraudsters in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Thursday, May 2, 2024 following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet related activities.

Items recovered from them include one laptop and mobile phones.

The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 

Source: EFCC 

Court Sends Nine Internet Fraudsters to Jail in Benin City

Nine internet fraudsters were on Tuesday and Wednesday April 23 & 24, 2024 convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.

The convicts are Andrew Ayakanmi Joshua, Obazee Marvellous, Osiobe Joshua, Osariemen Favour, Edosa Ovbokhan, Emmanuel Eramiokhare, Cyril Osagie, Stephen Okiosi Osaiwe and Muhammed Mudesiru Hussein

They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents, retention of proceeds of crime upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The charge against Eramiokhare reads: “That you Emmanuel Eiramiokhae (m) sometime between 1st January 1

2019 and 4th April, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did retain the aggregate sum of N97,392,707.75 (Ninety Seven Million, Three Hundred and Ninety two thousand, Seven Hundred and Seven Naira, Seventy five kobo) knowing that same represent proceeds of Godstime (your chairman) criminal conduct to wit: cybercrime and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17 (a) Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under Section 17(b) of the same Act.

All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them in court, prompting the prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Faisal and Salihu Ahmed, to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as they have become remorseful for their actions.

 

Justice Ikponmwonba on Tuesday April 22, 2024 sentenced the trio of Eramiokhae, Joshua and Favour to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each while the duo of Ayakanmi Joshua and Obazee Marvellous bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 each. On Wednesday April 23, 2024, the judge convicted and sentenced Ovbokhan to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000, Hussein bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 while the duo of Osaiwe and Osagie were sentenced to community service.

The judges ordered the convicts to forfeit their phones, laptops, balances in their various bank accounts, being instruments and proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria. All the convicts are to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts' road to the Correctional Centre began for the convicts following their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based on actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in computer -related fraud. They were charged to court and convicted.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests Nine Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Port Harcourt

Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested seven suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

They were arrested following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences.  

Items recovered from them include different brands of mobile devices, laptops, two cars and several incriminating documents in their possession.

They will soon be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 

Source: EFCC 

Court Adjourns Hearing on Binance Executive’s Bail Application

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 adjourned hearing on the bail application of Binance Holdings Limited  and its executive, Tigran Gambaryan till May 17, 2024.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting Gambaryan alongside Binance Holdings Ltd and Nadeem Anjarwalla, (currently at large) on five-count charges bordering on alleged tax evasion, currency speculation and money laundering to tune of $34,400,000 (Thirty-Four Million, Four Hundred Thousand United States Dollars).

The court had on Thursday, April 18, 2024 adjourned trial till Tuesday for prosecution counsel, Mr Ekele Eheanacho to respond to a bail application filed by the defence counsel, Mark Mordi (SAN).  

At Tuesday’s  proceedings, Mordi argued that the court had the power to grant bail to the defendant and impose conditions to ensure his presence in court.

"My lord, we have an application filed on April 4, 2024, supported by a 17-paragraph affidavit. We rely on all depositions found in the affidavit. There are four reasons why my lord should grant us bail. Pursuant to Section 157 and 52 of ACJA, my Lord has the power to grant bail. It is not a capital offence or felony," Mordi said.

However, Eheanacho opposed the bail application, stating that the defendant is a flight risk. "The defendant attempted to obtain a new passport, which he claimed was stolen, and this was a suspicious act given the proximity to his colleague's escape from custody. We cannot risk granting him bail, especially since he is not attached to any community in Nigeria," he said.

Arguing further, Iheanacho stated that "the fact that the passport of the defendant is with the complainant does not guarantee that he will remain in Nigeria, because the defendant is not only an American citizen but also an Armenian citizen by birth. We are urging the honourable court to refuse the application and instead remand him in EFCC custody to ensure his safety and prevent potential flight risk.”

In response to this, Mordi argued that the defendant posed no flight risk and that the prosecution was not certain that the defendant has an Armenian passport, adding that “Moreover, there is no Armenian Embassy in Nigeria that issues or prints passports."

After listening to the submissions, the court adjourned the matter till May 17, 2024, for ruling on the bail application. 

 

Court Jails 20 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on Wednesday and Thursday April 17 &18, 2024  secured the conviction and sentence of 20 internet fraudsters before Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.

The convicts are: Blessing Daniel, Kingsley Okoroafor, Amos Ohwofa, Eromosele Victory, Oba Nicholas Destiny, Lucky Osaro, Edema Emmanuel John, Obazee Precious, Akinyemi Seun, Ufumwen Victor, Enoch Ehigiator, Adurotimi Olakunle Justin, Oserei Clinton and Oserei Abraham.

Others are Obazee Gabriel, Richard Godfrey Obazee, Ricard Israel, Paul O. Endurance, Destiny Ajimi and Ejiwe Blessing Julius

They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the  EFCC.

The charge against Ajimi reads:

That you Destiny Ajimi (M) on or about 4th April, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contain a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 read together with 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.

The charge against Julius reads: “That you Ejiwe Blessing Julius(M) on or about 4th April, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contain a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 read together with 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.

All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them in court, prompting the prosecution counsel, F. A. Jirbo. I.K Agwai and K.Y. Bello, to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as they have become remorseful for their actions.

 

Justice Ikponmwonba  on April 17, sentenced the trio of  Ohwofa,  Daniel and Julius to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each while Akinyemi Seun bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000.  Justice Ituseli convicted the trio of Eromosele Victory, Obi Nicholas Destiny and Lucky Osaro to two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 each while Kingsley Okarafor, Destiny Ajimi and Edema Emmanuel John bagged three years imprisonment or a  fine of N100,000.

On Thursday April 18, Justice Ikponmwonba convicted 10 of the defendants -  Precious, Victor,  Ehigiator,  Justin, Clinton,  Abraham, Gabriel, Obazee, Israel and Endurance to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 each.

The judges ordered the convicts to forfeit their phones, laptops,  balances in their various bank accounts and three vehicles - Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and a Toyota Camry being instruments and proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria. All the convicts are to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts’ road to the prison began following their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based on actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in computer- related fraud.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests Suspected Internet Fraudster in Port Harcourt

Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a  suspected internet fraudster, Ali Desmond Chinedum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.  

 

He was arrested following credible intelligence on his suspected involvement in internet-related offences.

 

Items recovered from him include, one iPhone 11 Pro Max, One Redmi 12 Android mobile device, two  United States Navy identity cards with number: 100040041245 and 100010041159, one Mercedez Benz GLK and one HP Laptop computer device and charms.

 

He will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 

Source: EFCC

FATF Grey List: EFCC, NFIU Step up Exit Plan

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 mapped out fresh strategies geared towards Nigeria’s exit from Financial Action Task Force, FATF’s Grey List.

The strategies arose from a courtesy visit of the Director and Chief Executive Officer of NFIU, Hafsat Abubakar Bakari to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate headquarters.

Bakari,  in her speech,  stated that the visit was driven by a kindred spirit, need for stronger bridges of relationship and the FATF challenge. “Our visit today is a recognition of the shared history and a step towards building the foundations of a stronger partnership. We are also here to discuss the steps we need to take together to ensure that Nigeria exits from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force in the near future.”

 In a presentation, the NFIU’s boss outlined the various intelligence-generating and sharing modalities her Unit has been undertaken to serve relevant agencies across the country. She also laid bare how the NFIU has been enforcing compliance obligations of reporting entities to it. She pledged greater effectiveness and integrity of intelligence to tackle corruption, insecurity, banditry,  terrorist financing and other threats to peace and progress of the nation.  “I assure the Commission that we will continue to carry out our assignments with utmost integrity and effectiveness”, she said.  

Olukoyede in his remarks assured her of EFCC’s total involvement and commitment in all that are needed towards the exit. “We are together in this. The EFCC has been playing major roles in driving the exit action plan. And I assure you that we will not rest on our oars, not necessarily to satisfy the international community alone but for the overall growth and development of our nation.  “Foreign interests alone must not drive us to do what is right but the interest of our country. We should always do what is right at all times, not just to satisfy any foreign interests but because right is right,  Let’s carry out the action plan to grow our economy.”

 The FATF, February 2023, added Nigeria to its list of countries under monitoring, designated as “Grey List.” This listing required the country to implement an action plan comprising 19 items before May 2025 to avoid the greater danger of upgrade to the “Black List” which comes with dire economic consequences. 

Olukoyede expressed optimism that the combined works of the EFCC, NFIU and other relevant agencies will assist Nigeria to exit the grey list.

He reiterated his commitment towards preventive frameworks in tackling economic and financial crimes, stressing that it is cheaper to prevent corruption than to fight it.

 

Source:  EFCC

EFCC Arraigns Fake Afghan Soldier for $1000 Internet Fraud in Port Harcourt

The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, March 14, 2024 arraigned David Ikeaghichi before Justice S. D. Pam of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State for impersonating an Afghanistan soldier and obtaining money under false pretence.

Ikeaghichi is facing trial on two-count charges, which run contrary to Section 1 (1)(a & b) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

EFCC Arrests Barber, 11 other Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Uyo

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on Thursday March 14, 2024, arrested a barber, and  eleven suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

They were arrested following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences.

Source: EFCC