Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended a suspected online fraudster, Osang Otukpa, for allegedly defrauding 139 Australians of $AUD8,000,000.
Otukpa was arrested on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, upon his arrival from the United States of America.
A statement from the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that Otukpa used multiple aliases, including Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson, to deceive his victims.
Oyewale added, “Operatives of EFCC have arrested a suspected online fraudster, Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly duping 139 Australians to the tune of $AUD8,000,000.”
He further explained, “He was picked up in a stake out at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos upon arrival from the United States of America on Friday, December 6, 2024.”
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According to the EFCC, Otukpa lured his victims on social media to invest in his fraudulent cryptocurrency platform, Liquid Asset Group.
“Otukpa, who goes by five aliases, namely: Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto and Kristin Davidson scammed the victims by luring them on the social media to invest in his rogue cryptocurrency investment platform, Liquid Asset Group,” Oyewale said.
The proceeds from his alleged crimes were reportedly funneled into his bank accounts through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.
“The proceeds of the alleged crimes were routed to his bank accounts through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.”
Oyewale concluded by stating that Otukpa would be charged to court once investigations are completed. “The suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.”
