The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a Nigerian, Emwanta Eghosa Smith, who defrauded an American lady of $550,000.
The feat was achieved through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja.
The Force Public Relations Officer and a Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this in a statement.
In the statement on Tuesday, Placid said the breakthrough in the investigation of the transnational fraud, identity theft, and money laundering case involving a United States of America-based victim was in line with the ongoing drive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, against cyber-enabled crimes.
The case was reported by the American female victim, who was defrauded of $550,000 between October 2025 and January 2026.
In a well-coordinated operation conducted in Benin City, Edo State between March 23 and 26, 2026, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja, acting on credible intelligence, successfully tracked and arrested the suspect on March 26 2026.
Preliminary investigation showed that Smith, of Uselu, Edo State, perpetrated the fraud by impersonating prominent government officials and other notable public figures to gain the trust of the victim, who was subsequently induced to transfer funds through cryptocurrency platforms.
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Further findings indicate that the proceeds of the crime were laundered through the acquisition of five vehicles and an unfinished property in Benin City, all of which have been secured as exhibits.
Additionally, counterfeit $10,000 was recovered from the suspect.
IGP Disu reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to tackling cyber-enabled financial crimes, identity theft, and transnational fraud, while strengthening collaboration with international partners to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and victims are protected.
Placid added in the statement: “Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution in online engagements, particularly those involving financial transactions, and to promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.”
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