Police arrest suspect in $550,000 fraud, identity theft and money laundering case

The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has arrested a suspect over transnational fraud, identity theft, and money laundering case.

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According to a statement from the force spokesperson, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, 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.

Placid said 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.

‘’Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, Emwanta Eghosa Smith ‘M’, 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. 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 Ten Thousand United States Dollars ($10,000) was recovered from the suspect.” Placid said

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