From Our Crime Correspondent
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a suspected online fraudster, Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly defrauding 139 Australians of AUD $8 million through a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme.
The suspect was apprehended during a covert operation at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon his arrival from the United States on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Otukpa, who allegedly operated under five aliases—Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson—used social media platforms to lure victims into investing in his rogue cryptocurrency firm, Liquid Asset Group (LAG).
According to EFCC sources, proceeds from the fraudulent scheme were funneled into his bank accounts via a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.
The suspect is set to face legal proceedings upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
