The Force Headquarters (FHQ) announced on Tuesday that operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja recorded a breakthrough in the investigation of a transnational fraud, identity theft, and money laundering case involving a United States-based victim.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Anthony Placid, who made this disclosure in a statement, said the breakthrough aligned with the ongoing commitment of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, to contain cyber-enabled crimes.
Placid explained that the case was reported by an American female citizen who was defrauded of Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars ($550,000) between October 2025 and January 2026.
He said: “In a well-coordinated operation conducted in Benin City, Edo State, between 23rd and 26th March 2026, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja, acting on credible intelligence, successfully tracked and arrested the suspect on 26th March 2026.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, Emwanta Eghosa Smith ‘M’, of Uselu, Edo State, perpetrated the fraud by impersonating prominent government officials and other notable public figures to gain the trust of the victim, who was subsequently induced to transfer funds through cryptocurrency platforms.
“Further findings indicate that the proceeds of the crime were laundered through the acquisition of five vehicles and an unfinished property in Benin City, all of which have been secured as exhibits. Additionally, counterfeit Ten Thousand United States Dollars ($10,000) was recovered from the suspect.
“IGP Tunji Disu reiterates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to tackling cyber-enabled financial crimes, identity theft, and transnational fraud, while strengthening collaboration with international partners to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and victims are protected.
“Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution in online engagements, particularly those involving financial transactions, and to promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.”
