The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Office, has arrested five suspected Internet fraudsters, recovering N31million from them.

EFCC’s acting spokesperson, Tony Orilade said in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

According to Orilade, the suspects, Paul Duru, Daniel Effiong, David Gold, Moses Gold and Eke Kelechi, were arrested following a petition received by the EFCC from a new generation bank.

He maintained that the bank had observed suspicious transactions on an account belonging to Duru, after he received N63 million.

Operatives of the EFCC subsequently arrested him.

“His arrest led to the apprehension of the other suspected fraudsters. Investigations revealed that Duru was hired by Effiong, a “catfisher”, who presented himself as Arbara Williams, a 27-year-old Caucasian”, he said

A “catfisher” is an individual who uses the Internet and in particular, online dating websites to lure people into romance scam.

The Spokesperson alleged that Duru had a ‘picker’ in the United States, one John T. Benn, who received money in dollars and sent to him.

On his part, Effiong established a relationship with one Sung Yong Hwa, a Korean and Peter Davito, a Canadian.

The others were arrested for allegedly involving in love scam. They will soon be charged to court.


In this article: