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By John Ogunsemore
An internet fraud suspect, Emwanta Eghosa Smith, has been arrested by police in Uselu, Edo State, for allegedly defrauding an American woman of $550,000.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Anthony Placid disclosed this in a Tuesday statement in Abuja.
He said the arrest of the suspect was done by the NPF through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja.
He described it as a major breakthrough in the investigation of a transnational fraud, identity theft, and money laundering case involving a United States-based victim, in line with the ongoing drive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu against cyber-enabled crimes.
The police image-maker said, “The case was reported by an American female citizen who was defrauded of Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars ($550,000) between October 2025 and January 2026.
“In a well-coordinated operation conducted in Benin City, Edo State, between 23rd and 26th March 2026, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja, acting on credible intelligence, successfully tracked and arrested the suspect on 26th March 2026.”
Placid said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, Emwanta Eghosa Smith ‘M’, of Uselu, Edo State, perpetrated the fraud by impersonating prominent government officials and other notable public figures to gain the trust of the victim, who was subsequently induced to transfer funds through cryptocurrency platforms.
He disclosed that further findings indicated that the proceeds of the crime were laundered through the acquisition of five vehicles and an unfinished property in Benin City, all of which have been secured as exhibits.
He revealed that counterfeit $10,000 was recovered from the suspect.
Placid quoted IGP Disu as reiterating the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to tackling cyber-enabled financial crimes, identity theft, and transnational fraud, while strengthening collaboration with international partners to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and victims are protected.
“Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution in online engagements, particularly those involving financial transactions, and to promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies,” the statement further reads.
