The alleged ringleader of an international scam operation has been arrested by Nigerian authorities in Lagos after being wanted by the FBI since 2016.
Osondu Victor Igwilo was detained by officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged advanced fee fraud, identity theft, and money laundering amounting to approximately $100 million.
Igwilo was one of four men arrested at a studio in the Sangotedo area of Lagos, in connection with a criminal scheme that saw scam emails spammed out to potential victims, fraudulently promising investment funding on behalf of a US bank.
After potential victims showed an interest in the funding, Igwilo allegedly sent US citizens he had recruited over the internet to pose as employees of the bank and meet with the victims in person.
Fake documents were then produced which helped convince victims that the investment agreement was backed by the US government, and demanded that an advance fee was wired to a bank account in advance in the false belief that it would accelerate the investment process.
Additionally, according to charges unsealed by the US Department of Justice in 2018, “money movers” helped Igwilo launder stolen funds by purchasing luxury Mercedes Benz and Range Rover vehicles and shipping them to Nigeria.
Following Igwilo’s arrest, another five houses located in Lagos were also recovered by authorities.