Nigerian Man Arrested for Scamming 139 Australians of Millions
A Nigerian man has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly defrauding 139 Australians of $8 million AUD through an elaborate cryptocurrency scam.
The suspect, Osang Otukpa, was arrested at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on December 6, 2024, upon his arrival from the United States.
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Nigerian Man Arrested for Scamming 139 Australians of Millions
According to Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Otukpa operated under five aliases: Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson. He allegedly lured victims through social media, convincing them to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform called Liquid Asset Group.
Oyewale confirmed the arrest saying,
“Operatives of EFCC have arrested a suspected online fraudster, Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly duping 139 Australians to the tune of $AUD8,000,000. He was picked up in a stake out at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos upon arrival from the United States of America on Friday, December 6, 2024. Otukpa, who goes by five aliases, namely: Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto and Kristin Davidson scammed the victims by luring them on social media to invest in his rogue cryptocurrency investment platform, Liquid Asset Group. The proceeds of the alleged crimes were routed to his bank accounts through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.”
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Investigation and Next Steps
The EFCC arrested Otukpa during a planned operation at the Lagos airport. Authorities believe the suspect masterminded the scam that left dozens of Australians out of pocket.
Otukpa is currently in custody, and the EFCC has confirmed he will face charges in court once the investigation is completed.
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