The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Osang Otukpa, a suspected online fraudster, for allegedly defrauding 139 Australians of $8 million. Otukpa was apprehended last Friday at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
According to a statement by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the suspect operated under five aliases—Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson.
He reportedly lured victims into investing in his fraudulent cryptocurrency platform, Liquid Asset Group. Investigations are ongoing.
According to the commission, the proceeds of the alleged crimes were always routed to his bank accounts through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.
The commission, however, did not name the global platform the suspect used in routing his earnings.
“Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a suspected online fraudster, Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly duping 139 Australians to the tune of $AUD8,000,000 (Eight Million Australian Dollars).
“He was picked up in a stake out at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos upon arrival from the United States of America on Friday, December 6, 2024. Otukpa, who goes by five aliases, namely: Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson scammed the victims by luring them on social media to invest in his rogue cryptocurrency investment platform, Liquid Asset Group, LAG.