Delhi Police have arrested three Nigerian nationals—Lezhu John, Gibril Mohammed, and Egboola Ekena—for allegedly operating a cyber fraud network that duped a woman of ₹2.62 lakh (approximately N4.9 million). The suspects were apprehended on Friday after an intensive investigation into their elaborate online scam.
Authorities revealed that the suspects used fake social media profiles and fraudulent bank accounts to lure victims and siphon funds. Over 500 bank accounts, acquired through genuine or forged documents, were traced to the network. These accounts facilitated the laundering and transfer of stolen funds, complicating efforts to track the proceeds.
M.M. Rajput, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cybercrime), disclosed that the suspects had overstayed their visas and turned to online fraud as their primary source of income. “They systematically transferred large sums between accounts to obscure the trail of the stolen funds,” Rajput said.
The investigation began when a local woman filed a complaint, alleging she was defrauded by the gang. Forensic analysis of bank transactions and intelligence gathering led police to the suspects, who were found with incriminating evidence on their mobile phones, including hundreds of photos used to create fake social media profiles.
Police are now working to uncover the full extent of the fraud network, trace the origins of the purchased bank accounts, and identify additional victims. Authorities believe the operation is part of a larger cybercrime syndicate and are pursuing leads to dismantle the network entirely.
This case highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the need for heightened vigilance in combating online fraud.