Nigerian Man Arrested for Defrauding 139 Australians in $8 Million Cryptocurrency Scam
ABUJA – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Osang Usie Otukpa, a Nigerian individual accused of perpetrating a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme that defrauded 139 Australians of approximately $8 million.
Otukpa was arrested at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, shortly after he returned from the United States. Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Friday.
According to the EFCC, Otukpa utilized several aliases, including Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson, to execute the scam. The fraudulent operation centered around a deceptive cryptocurrency platform called Liquid Asset Group, which Otukpa heavily promoted through social media channels. Victims were enticed into investing, leading to substantial financial losses.
The anti-graft agency explained that the illicit proceeds from these activities were transferred into Otukpa’s bank accounts using a global cryptocurrency exchange platform. “Operatives of EFCC have arrested a suspected online fraudster, Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly duping 139 Australians of AUD 8,000,000,” the statement noted.
Otukpa’s capture occurred on December 6, 2024, during a surveillance operation at the Lagos airport. The investigation remains ongoing, and the suspect is expected to face charges in court once the investigation is concluded.
This incident underscores the EFCC’s commitment to combatting cybercrime and restoring confidence in global financial systems.
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