Police have arrested 13 Nigerian nationals and their Filipino accomplice for suspected internet fraud in Imus City, Cavite province in the Philippines.

Imus City police chief, Supt. Audi Madrideo said the suspects were behind an “online scamming syndicate” that victimised Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other nationalities.

Supt. Madrideo said the suspects were arrested in the province during a night raid carried out by officials on Sunday.

He said the suspects specialise in creating fraudulent Facebook accounts, with stolen photos and profiles, and pose as members of the United States military to defraud unsuspecting victims.

The police chief said one of the alleged group leaders, Emmanuel Nnamdi, was arrested in an entrapment operation around 7:30 pm on Sunday in a money transfer outlet in Barangay (village) Tanzang Luma 2.

He said Nnamdi took officers to three different apartments in Imus City where they arrested other members of the group.

Madrideo said,

“They would woo their victims by chat. Once hooked, they would promise to send them gifts or money, some as much as $2.5 million, from abroad.”  

He further explained that before the victims can receive the alleged package from the scammers, they (victims) are asked to wire some money first in the guise of shipping or customs fees.

Police investigation revealed that the Nigerians entered the country with student visas. He said they were the same syndicate that faced complaints in Pasay City and Las Piñas City before they relocated to Cavite province.

Reports said the authorities will file a case of syndicated fraud against the suspects and that the regional police head, Chief Supt. Edward Carranza will present them for a press briefing today (Wednesday).

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