Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended Osang Usie Otukpa, a Nigerian national, for allegedly defrauding 139 Australians of approximately $8 million through a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme.
The arrest occurred on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, upon Otukpa’s arrival from the United States.
According to Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Otukpa operated under five aliases: Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson.
He allegedly enticed victims via social media platforms to invest in a fictitious cryptocurrency venture named Liquid Asset Group.
The illicit proceeds were funnelled into his bank accounts through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.
The EFCC has announced that Otukpa will face charges upon the completion of the ongoing investigation.
This incident underscores the persistent threat of online fraud and the importance of vigilance when engaging in digital financial transactions.
