Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Osang Usie Otukpa, a Nigerian man implicated in a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme that reportedly defrauded 139 Australians of $8 million.
Otukpa was taken into custody at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos upon his return from the United States.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC's Head of Media and Publicity, revealed that Otukpa utilized various aliases—such as Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson—to perpetrate the scam.
He allegedly promoted a rogue cryptocurrency platform called Liquid Asset Group on social media, enticing victims to invest and subsequently leading them to suffer substantial financial losses.
The EFCC stated that the proceeds from these fraudulent activities were transferred into Otukpa's bank accounts through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.
Investigations are ongoing, and Otukpa is expected to face charges in court once the inquiry is complete. This arrest underscores the EFCC's commitment to combating cybercrime and restoring confidence in financial systems worldwide.