A man identified as Osang has been apprehended by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for his alleged involvement in a massive fraud scheme targeting 139 Australians. The suspect is accused of defrauding his victims to the tune of $AUD8,000,000 through an elaborate scam. This development has sparked widespread attention, given the scale and nature of the alleged crime.
This was revealed in a detailed statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Friday. The commission outlined how the suspect masterminded the fraudulent scheme and lured unsuspecting individuals into investing in a fictitious cryptocurrency platform.
According to the EFCC, Osang was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, upon his return from the United States of America. The arrest took place on Friday, December 6, 2024, following a meticulous investigation and intelligence-gathering operation by the anti-graft agency. The commission stated that the arrest marked a significant step towards addressing the growing issue of financial crimes, particularly those involving online platforms.
Investigations revealed that Osang operated under the guise of running a cryptocurrency investment platform known as Liquid Asset Group. He reportedly used social media channels to lure his victims with promises of high returns on their investments. The victims were persuaded to deposit substantial amounts of money into the platform, only to later discover that the scheme was fraudulent. The EFCC noted that the suspect exploited the increasing popularity and trust in cryptocurrency investments to carry out his alleged crimes.
In the statement, Oyewale emphasized that the commission remains committed to ensuring justice for the victims of this scam. He assured the public that thorough investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of these investigations. The EFCC also urged members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with online investment platforms, especially those promising unrealistic returns.
The arrest of Osang is being hailed as a significant breakthrough in the fight against cyber fraud and investment scams, which have become a growing concern globally. The EFCC reiterated its resolve to clamp down on perpetrators of such crimes and safeguard the financial interests of individuals and institutions alike.
The commission also appealed to potential victims of similar fraudulent schemes to come forward and report their experiences, as such information could aid in the prosecution of the suspect and the prevention of future crimes.
As investigations continue, the EFCC has reassured the public of its dedication to tackling financial crimes and bringing offenders to justice, further underscoring its role as a key institution in Nigeria’s fight against corruption and fraud.
