By Deborah Nnamdi
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Osang Usie Otukpa, who allegedly defrauded 139 Australians of $8 million through a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme.
The suspect was apprehended at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon his arrival from the United States.
In a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, on Friday, Otukpa employed multiple aliases, including Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson, to carry out the scam.
The fraudulent activities revolved around a rogue cryptocurrency platform named Liquid Asset Group, which Otukpa promoted extensively on social media. Victims were lured into investing in the platform, resulting in significant financial losses.
The EFCC revealed that proceeds from the scam were funnelled into Otukpa’s bank accounts via a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.
Oyewale further stated that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged in court upon completion of the process.
This development highlights the EFCC’s efforts to crack down on cybercrime and restore trust in financial systems globally.
