A Lebanese, one Hamza Koudeih, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC] over his role in internet-related fraud and money laundering.
Koudeih, a known collaborator of the recently arrested Social Media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha popularly known as Mompha, was arrested alongside two others whose nationality are yet to be established.
Koudeih was arrested weekend at the Eko Atlantic Pearl Tower, Victoria Island, Lagos where he occupied one of the luxury suites.
The suite costs $5million.
The EFCC had a fierce battle arresting him because his apartment was fortified with triple reinforced fireproof door and closed-circuit television cameras.
“Actionable intelligence received from local and international law enforcement agencies had revealed that Hamza and Mompha alongside their collaborators are high valued targets in Organized Cyber Syndicate Network, OCSN,” Vanguard reported quoting sources at the EFCC.
“Investigations have also revealed that Mompha uses a firm known as Ismalob Global Investments Limited to perpetrate about N14billion money laundering while Hamza also operates two firms namely: THK Services Limited and CHK properties Limited to launder about N19billion.
“At the point of arrest, EFCC operatives discovered a fireproof safe stocked with different charms and talisman which he admits are his “prayer objects.”
Two Luxury cars were also recovered from Koudeih.
“Meanwhile, ongoing investigation into Mompha’s alleged criminal activities have revealed that he operates 51 bank accounts in Nigeria as a conduit for his money laundering activities while acquiring several assets in Dubai
“Also, more facts have emerged that the five wristwatches recovered from Mompha at the point of arrest earlier put at N20millon were actually worth over N60 million. Investigation is ongoing to profile ascertain the involvement of the other suspects.
“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded,” Vanguard quoted the sources as adding.
WuzupNigeria reports that this is not the first time Koudeih would be linked to fraud. In 2012, the Lebanese was arraigned for allegedly stealing $409,780 from two Nigerians.
Koudeih was arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court, Tinubu Square, Lagos, on two separate charges, which he pleaded not guilty to. One of the charges involves the stealing of $329,780 (N51.4m) from Alhaji Isa Hassan in January 2011 and the other involves the theft of $80,000 (N12. 5m) from Stanley Eze on March 23, 2012.
The magistrate, Mrs. A.O. Adedayo, granted bail to Koudeih but under different conditions in the two charges.
