Police Bust Cybercriminals Cloning Bank Websites For Investment Scams

Suspected cybercriminals with expertise in cloning bank websites for the purpose of conducting high-yield investment scams and money laundering have been arrested by the Nigerian police force.

In response to the escalating cyber threats aimed at the Banking and Financial sector, as well as unsuspecting members of the public falling victim to High-yield Investment Fraud (HYIF), the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) recently convened a crucial symposium.

The main objective of this gathering, attended by Compliant and Fraud desk officers from banks throughout Nigeria, was to promote active collaboration and engagement in the continuous fight against cybercrime.

According to a statement issued by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson of the command, following the aforementioned situation, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre promptly launched a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven operation, resulting in the arrest of eight notorious cybercriminals.

This operation took place from August 16th to August 20th, 2023, and it was initiated in response to a new cyber threat marked by the proliferation of cloned banking websites aimed at facilitating high-yield investment scams and money laundering.

The arrested suspects include Nwaonicha Emeka aged 30, Osaretin Oghomwen aged 27, Sunday Aniekan aged 23, Devine Daniel aged 19, Ibrahim Abdulaziz aged 21, Daniel Breba Omamuke aged 23, Muhammed Azimeye aged 29, Aniwen Abraham aged 23, Pasca Obinna aged 27, and Godwin Chinaza aged 26, all male residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). They have all confessed to their various degrees of involvement in these criminal activities and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The police have stated that they are actively working to inform and provide support to victims of these fraudulent schemes on a global scale.

‘’Additionally, the fraudulent online platforms involved in these activities have been confiscated. Members of the global cyber community are strongly advised to remain vigilant and report any platforms that promise unrealistically high returns on minimal investments or any other forms of cybercrime through the dedicated e-reporting portal at incb.npf.gov.ng.

The Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM, Ph.D, while reaffirming his commitment to making technological advancements a cornerstone of the fight against crime commended the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Centre’s efforts and urged its Director, DCP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, to intensify the Centre’s collaboration with other agencies and uphold fundamental human rights in the pursuit of reducing cybercrime and cyber-related crimes in the country to the barest minimum.”