Nigerian arrested in Turkey over $2.5m romance fraud

A Nigerian national identified as Kingsley O. has been arrested in Istanbul, Turkey, over allegations of orchestrating a $2.5 million romance scam targeting a Hong Kong-based dentist.

Turkish media reports said the suspect was arrested alongside four others during an operation carried out in Esenyurt, a district in Istanbul Province, following a long-running investigation into an alleged online fraud network.

Investigators alleged that Kingsley posed as an American businessman using the name “Richard” and reportedly established an online relationship with the victim, identified as Siu P.Y.F., beginning in 2020.

He was said to have maintained constant communication with the victim, during which he allegedly convinced her of a supposed investment project in Istanbul and promised marriage, thereby gaining her trust.

Based on the alleged deception, the victim reportedly transferred about $2.5 million in several instalments between 2020 and 2022 into multiple bank accounts in Turkey.

The suspect allegedly severed contact after receiving the funds, prompting the victim to report the matter to authorities in Hong Kong.

Although initial investigations by Hong Kong police did not produce results, the victim later filed a formal complaint in Turkey through legal representatives, leading to renewed investigations by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Police authorities reportedly traced the bank accounts used in receiving the funds, leading to the arrest of five account holders.

While some denied involvement, one of them allegedly linked the transactions to the Nigerian suspect.

Kingsley O. was subsequently arrested as the alleged mastermind behind the scheme and taken into custody for questioning. He has, however, denied the allegations.

Court proceedings involving the suspect and other arrested individuals were later held under tight security following the conclusion of investigations.