By Helen Okechukwu, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE NIGERIA Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has announced the arrest of four suspects involved in a cybercrime scheme.
The suspects were apprehended following a report submitted via the NPF-NCCC E-Reporting portal and subsequent intelligence gathered by the centre.
According to the NPF-NCCC, the suspects established a relationship with a Croatian national on a dating app, presenting themselves as a woman.
Over time, their interaction extended to platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and other social networking apps, during which the victim was manipulated into sharing explicit personal images.
The suspects then demanded money from the victim, threatening to release the nude pictures to the victim’s family and friends if the payment was not made.
Investigators revealed that the group had engaged in similar extortion activities across the globe, targeting multiple victims.
The centre emphasized that these acts are illegal and punishable under the law.
The NPF-NCCC further disclosed that the suspects primarily extorted money from their victims through the use of gift cards, including iTunes and Steam cards, which are commonly utilized in such cyber scams.
Upon the arrest, authorities recovered six iPhones, one Tecno phone, one Samsung phone, and a Lexus vehicle from the suspects.
The police stated that the investigation is still ongoing, and the suspects will face charges once the investigation is complete.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun reassured the public of the NPF-NCCC’s commitment to combating cybercrime.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against online fraudsters and cybercriminals.
Egbetokun also warned individuals involved in cybercrime to cease their activities, vowing that law enforcement will continue to identify and prosecute those who threaten the security of the country.
