The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested Chima Anthony Nwigwe, suspected leader of banks’ hacking syndicate alongside three others for alleged conspiracy, unauthorized access to banks’ computer systems and fraudulent withdrawal of depositors’ funds.
The rest are Effiong Victor Emmanuel, Mohammed Bello Mahmud, managing director, Downstone Ultimate Limited and Daminan Ali.
The hackers primarily targeted unsuspecting individuals by sending fake bank alerts and phishing emails designed to look like official communication from financial institutions. Once victims clicked on links or provided sensitive information, the fraudsters accessed their accounts and transferred funds to offshore accounts.
Once victims clicked on links or provided sensitive information, the fraudsters accessed their accounts and transferred funds to offshore accounts.
The Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in a statement on Tuesday noted that the suspects were arrested in a sting operation in Abuja following actionable intelligence about their suspected involvement in hacking, compromising databases of commercial banks, thereby causing fraudulent transfers and withdrawals through different digital platforms.
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The suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
In another raid, Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Commission, arrested seven suspected internet fraudsters.
They were arrested on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at the Kubwa axis of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in internet-related fraud.
Items recovered from them include 13 phones of different brands and one car.
The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
In light of the arrests, the EFCC has reiterated its commitment to cracking down on cybercrime and financial fraud across Nigeria.
The EFCC equally urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal banking details online. It advised bank customers to verify communication from financial institutions and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
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