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INTERPOL Blocks 720 Bank Accounts Linked to Online Frauds in West Africa

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By Emmanuel Ogbodo

The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) announced the blocking of over 720 bank accounts associated with online financial fraud across West Africa. This action resulted from “Operation Jackal III,” a sting operation conducted from April 10 to July 3, spanning 21 countries across five continents.

The operation specifically targeted online financial fraud and the West African syndicates responsible for it. INTERPOL reported that the operation led to hundreds of arrests, the seizure of assets valued at USD 3 million, and the dismantling of several criminal networks worldwide.

INTERPOL revealed that, in collaboration with Portuguese criminal police, they dismantled a Nigerian network involved in recruiting money mules and laundering funds from online financial fraud victims across Europe. Over 25 syndicate members were identified during the process.

Data extracted from seized computers and phones showed significant transfers to Nigerian bank accounts, cryptocurrency transactions, and sophisticated money laundering activities.

Isaac Oginni, Director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC), commented on the operations: “The volume of financial fraud from West Africa is alarming and increasing. The results of this operation highlight the essential need for international law enforcement cooperation to tackle these extensive criminal networks. By identifying suspects, recovering illicit funds, and imprisoning some of West Africa’s most dangerous organised crime leaders, we can weaken their influence and reduce their ability to harm communities globally.”

In Argentina, INTERPOL reported that Operation Jackal III dismantled a Nigerian-led transnational criminal network following a five-year investigation. The country’s Federal Police seized USD 1.2 million in high-quality counterfeit banknotes, arrested 72 suspects, and froze approximately 100 bank accounts. The network used money mules to open bank accounts worldwide and is now under investigation in over 40 countries for related money laundering activities, involving citizens from Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela.

INTERPOL added that over 160 fraud victims suffered significant financial losses, with some forced to sell their homes or take out large loans. This crackdown on international online fraudsters comes amid a rise in global online financial fraud.

In a similar operation concluded in December 2023, INTERPOL stated that a transcontinental police operation against online financial crime resulted in 3,500 arrests and the seizure of $300 million worth of assets across 34 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana. The six-month Operation HAECHI IV (July-December 2023) targeted seven types of cyber-enabled scams: voice phishing, romance scams, online sextortion, investment fraud, money laundering related to illegal online gambling, business email compromise fraud, and e-commerce fraud.

Crime

ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Devices from El Rufai Home, Secures 14 Day Detention Order

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By Omoniyi David

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said it recovered suspected wiretapping devices and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el Rufai.

The commission disclosed that a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, granted a 14 day detention order to allow investigators conclude their probe.

According to the agency, electronic equipment capable of intercepting phone conversations was discovered during a search at el Rufai’s Asokoro home. Officials also said documents described as sensitive to national security were recovered.

The ICPC dismissed claims that the former governor was being unlawfully detained or politically targeted, insisting that due process was followed.

In filings before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the commission urged the court to dismiss el Rufai’s suit alleging violation of his fundamental rights, maintaining that its actions were lawful and necessary for a thorough investigation.

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Police Arrest Two in Abuja Over Alleged Homicide of 16 Year Old

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By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Command, have arrested two suspects over the alleged culpable homicide of a 16 year old boy, Chidera Benjamin, in the Byazhin area of Abuja.

The suspects, identified as Cosmos Okafor, 31, and Okechukwu Wisdom, 17, were arrested following the incident which occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, according to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Adeh said police received a distress call that Benjamin allegedly attacked his mother with a machete during a domestic dispute. Preliminary findings showed the mother had accused him of transferring money from her bank account to his Opay account without her consent.

The boy allegedly became violent during the confrontation and inflicted serious injury on her hand.

The police said two neighbours who witnessed the incident allegedly attacked the teenager in response. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The suspects are in custody and will be charged to court after investigations. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged residents to avoid jungle justice and resolve disputes through lawful means.

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Crime

Poison Allegation: Expect DSS Invitation, NSA Office Replies El-Rufai

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By Patrick Idowu

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has replied former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his allegation that the agency imported a toxic chemical from Poland, telling him to expect an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS), as the matter has been referred for investigation.

El-Rufai had written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, claiming opposition leaders had information that ONSA procured about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly poisonous substance.

He requested clarification on the purpose, supplier, permits, quantity, storage arrangements and regulatory oversight, including involvement of agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

In a response released to journalists on Sunday night, ONSA denied the allegation, stating it neither procured nor initiated any process to purchase thallium sulphate and had no intention of doing so.

The letter, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, said the allegation had been referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation, adding that El-Rufai and others with relevant information would be invited to provide evidence.

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