INTERPOL Arrests Nigerian Man In Benin City Over $550,000 Fraud Targeting U.S. Citizen
INTERPOL Arrests Nigerian Man In Benin City Over $550,000 Fraud Targeting U.S. Citizen
The suspect, identified as Emwanta Eghosa Smith, was arrested during an operation conducted in Benin City between March 23 and 26, 2026.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a $550,000 (about N760 million) fraud, identity theft and money laundering case involving a United States-based victim.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the arrest was carried out by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja following what he described as a “major breakthrough” in the investigation.
According to the statement, the case was reported by an American female citizen who was allegedly defrauded between October 2025 and January 2026.
“The case was reported by an American female citizen who was defrauded of five hundred and fifty thousand united states dollars ($550,000) between October 2025 and January 2026,” the statement read.
The suspect, identified as Emwanta Eghosa Smith, was arrested during an operation conducted in Benin City between March 23 and 26, 2026.
“In a well-coordinated operation conducted in Benin City, Edo State, between 23rd and 26th March 2026, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja, acting on credible intelligence, successfully tracked and arrested the suspect on 26th March 2026,” the police said.
Preliminary investigations, the police noted, revealed that the suspect allegedly impersonated prominent government officials and other notable figures to gain the victim’s trust.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect 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,” the statement added.
The police further disclosed that proceeds of the alleged crime were laundered through assets including vehicles and real estate.
“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,” the police stated.
Authorities also said counterfeit currency was recovered from the suspect.
“Additionally, counterfeit ten thousand united states dollars ($10,000) was recovered from the suspect,” the statement noted.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated the force’s commitment to combating cybercrime and transnational fraud.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed 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,” the statement quoted the IGP as saying.
The police also advised members of the public to be cautious in online interactions.
“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,” the statement added.
