Police Arrest Man Who Allegedly Swindled American Woman of $550k in Benin

A suspected internet fruadster, Emwanta Eghosa Smith who allegedy degreased an American woman of $550, 000,has been arrested in Uselu in Edo State,

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid,disclosed this in a statement, on Tuesday.

He said that the suspect was apprehended by the NPF through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja.

Placed said that the arrest followed 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.

According to him, “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.

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Placed said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, Emwanta Eghosa Smith 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 said that further findings indicate 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.

The policespokeman, said that a counterfeit of $10,000 was recovered from the suspect.

He said that the IGP Tunji Disu had reiterated 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.

He urged members of the public 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 reads.

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