The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced a significant breakthrough in a complex financial fraud investigation involving Patricia Technologies Limited. On November 23, 2023, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, detailed the arrest of politician Wilfred Bonse in connection with a security breach and financial fraud at Patricia Technologies.
According to the NPF, the case revolves around criminal conspiracy, unauthorized computer and network data modification, and the illicit diversion of over 200 million Naira (approximately $246,153). The investigation led to the arrest of Wilfred Bonse, accused of laundering 50 million Naira ($61,538) from a total of 607 million Naira ($747,076) fraudulently diverted from Patricia Technologies. This diversion was facilitated through a cryptocurrency wallet.
Further, on November 20, 2023, the NPF-National Cybercrime Center (NCCC) arrested Njoku Kingsley, Chigozie Okorie, and Jideofor Sejus in connection with a separate case of conspiracy, identity theft, and romance scam. This operation in the Wumba District, Apo Area of the Federal Capital Territory, highlighted the suspects’ involvement in swindling victims through a fake profile named Anthony James.
In another development, the NPF-NCCC successfully recovered 179,372.6 USDT in a case involving Ummukulthum Basha and Sean Andres Delacruz, a US citizen. Basha, a cryptocurrency enthusiast, suffered a loss of 20,000 USDT in a fraudulent trading scheme. Sean Andres Delacruz, initially offering assistance, was later identified as the mastermind behind the criminal act. The collaboration with KuCoin was crucial in recovering the funds and identifying Delacruz.
The NPF has emphasized the importance of public vigilance, especially regarding high-yield investment programs that often turn out to be scams. They urge the public to exercise caution and report any suspicious financial activities to their e-reporting portal
Image source: Shutterstock