The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a Nigerian man, Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly defrauding 139 Australians of AUD $8 million through an online cryptocurrency scam.
Otukpa was apprehended at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on Friday, December 6, 2024, upon his arrival from the United States.
According to a statement released on Friday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, Otukpa used multiple fake identities to lure his victims into investing in a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform called Liquid Asset Group.
“Operatives of EFCC have arrested a suspected online fraudster, Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly duping 139 Australians to the tune of AUD $8 million,” Oyewale stated.
The EFCC revealed that the suspect operated under five aliases: Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson. He reportedly used social media to attract victims and transfer proceeds through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.
“The proceeds of the alleged crimes were routed to his bank accounts through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform,” Oyewale added.
The EFCC assured the public that Otukpa would face charges in court once investigations are complete.
