In a major crackdown on international financial crime, operatives of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended a suspected online fraudster, Osang Usie Otukpa, accused of defrauding 139 Australians of AUD 8,000,000 (Eight Million Australian Dollars). The arrest underscores the EFCC’s commitment to dismantling sophisticated cybercrime networks with global footprints.
Otukpa was intercepted by EFCC operatives during a high-stakes operation at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon his return from the United States on Friday, December 6, 2024. The suspect, notorious for his elaborate scams, had been on the Commission’s radar for months following intelligence reports from both local and international law enforcement agencies.
Operating under five aliases—Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson—Otukpa allegedly exploited the anonymity of social media platforms to lure unsuspecting victims into investing in a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme, Liquid Asset Group (LAG). Promising high returns, the scheme convinced victims to part with their hard-earned money, which was funneled into Otukpa’s accounts via a global cryptocurrency exchange.
EFCC investigations revealed that Otukpa employed sophisticated tactics to mask his operations, using a combination of false identities and international banking channels to obscure the source and destination of the illicit funds. The proceeds from the scam were traced to multiple bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets linked to the suspect, exposing a complex web of financial fraud.
The EFCC’s Acting Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, reaffirmed the Commission’s zero-tolerance stance on financial crimes, stating:
“The arrest of Otukpa sends a clear message to fraudsters that Nigeria is not a haven for cybercriminals. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that victims of such crimes receive closure.”
The EFCC also highlighted the collaborative efforts of international law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating financial crimes in an increasingly digital world.
The suspect is currently in EFCC custody, where he is assisting investigators with crucial details of his operations. Upon the conclusion of investigations, Otukpa will face charges in court under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act and related laws. If convicted, he could face significant jail time and forfeiture of his ill-gotten assets.
The EFCC urged members of the public to remain vigilant against online investment schemes that promise unrealistic returns, as such schemes often mask fraudulent intentions.
This arrest serves as a reminder of the EFCC’s relentless pursuit of justice in protecting individuals and businesses from the devastating effects of financial crime.
PIONEER NEWS 