POLICE TRACK ₦3.6BN CYBERCRIME FUNDS, ARREST SEVEN SUSPECTS

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre has arrested seven suspects in connection with separate cybercrime investigations involving suspected proceeds worth more than ₦3.6 billion.

The arrests followed intelligence-led investigations into cases involving business email compromise, investment fraud, identity theft, sextortion, impersonation and alleged property fraud.

The NPF-NCCC said the investigations involved the use of digital forensics, financial intelligence and open-source intelligence to trace the movement of suspected criminal proceeds.

According to the police, more than ₦3.6 billion in suspected illicit funds was traced after portions of the proceeds were allegedly converted into cryptocurrency. Investigators reportedly followed the movement of the funds through cryptocurrency transactions and financial technology platforms.

One of the cases involved Kelechi Sistus Ihekaire, the proprietor of Kestart Technology, who was arrested over allegations relating to an international cyber-enabled investment fraud and money-laundering operation.

The police said the suspects were apprehended across different investigations as operatives worked to identify individuals allegedly involved in various forms of technology-enabled financial crimes.

The NPF-NCCC said the cases demonstrate the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal activities and the growing use of digital currencies and online financial platforms to conceal and move suspected illicit funds.

The Centre also highlighted the importance of cooperation between Nigerian law enforcement agencies and their international counterparts in tracking cybercrime proceeds that move across jurisdictions.

The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by the police to strengthen Nigeria's response to cybercrime and disrupt criminal networks operating through digital platforms.

Authorities are expected to continue investigating the suspects and the financial transactions linked to the cases, with further arrests possible as investigators trace other individuals who may have participated in the alleged schemes.

The police reiterated their commitment to using technology, financial intelligence and digital forensic tools to identify cybercriminals, recover illicit proceeds and bring those found culpable before the courts.