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

By Kingsley Omonobi

The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has arrested Emwanta Eghosa Smith in connection with a transnational fraud, identity theft, and money laundering case targeting a United States-based victim.

The case involves an American woman who was defrauded of $550,000 between October 2025 and January 2026.

Speaking on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid said the arrest aligns with the ongoing drive by Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to combat cyber-enabled crimes.

“In a well-coordinated operation conducted in Benin City, Edo State, between March 23 and 26, 2026, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja, acting on credible intelligence, successfully tracked and arrested the suspect on March 26,” he said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Smith, of Uselu, Edo State, carried out the fraud by impersonating prominent government officials and public figures, gaining the trust of the victim, who was then persuaded to transfer funds via cryptocurrency platforms.

Authorities discovered that the proceeds were laundered through the purchase of five vehicles and an unfinished property in Benin City, all of which have been seized. Additionally, $10,000 in counterfeit currency was recovered from the suspect.

IGP Disu reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling cyber-enabled financial crimes, identity theft, and transnational fraud, while emphasizing collaboration with international partners to ensure perpetrators are prosecuted and victims protected.

The Police have advised the public to remain vigilant online, exercise caution with financial transactions, and report any suspicious activity promptly.

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