A suspected serial fraudster has admitted to his and his cohorts’ involvement in romance scam, and disclosed thier mode of operation.
Thirty-seven-year-old Ogenevowero Emefeke, was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) on Monday, for pulling-off an elaborate fraudulent scheme on an Australian national.
According to a statement on Monday, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Emefeke’s arrest was aided by actionable intelligence made available by the South Australian Police Department (SAPOL), even as the sum of sixty thousand Australian Dollars (60.000.00 AUD) was recovered from the suspect.
Emefeke in a written statement during Police interview, freely admitted to having committed the fraud and several others dating back to 2021.
In unveiling his modus operandi, the suspect said he and his cohorts usually adopt pseudo identities of renowned international celebrities, carefully select their victims through different social media platforms, and lure them into the scam.
He said that after gaining their trust, they play on their emotion to swindle them of their resources. Investigation further revealed that the victims are usually vulnerable men and women in desperate search for emotional comfort and fame.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, while applauding the new wave of anti-cybercrime achievements recorded by NPF-NCCC, charged the Center to sustain the drive.
The IGP further urged members of the public to exercise restraint in engaging in businesses and relationships with individuals whose real identities have not been physically verified.
According to the NPF spokesman, the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, even as the processes to repatriate the recovered funds to the victim through the Australian Consulate is being perfected.
