Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a suspected online fraudster, Osang Otukpa, accused of duping 139 Australians out of AUD 8,000,000 through a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme.
Otukpa was apprehended at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon his return from the United States on Friday, December 6, 2024.
In a statement issued on Friday, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that Otukpa operated under five aliases: Ford Thompson, Oscar Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson. The suspect reportedly lured victims via social media to invest in his rogue cryptocurrency platform, Liquid Asset Group.
Oyewale explained: “Operatives of the EFCC arrested Osang Usie Otukpa for allegedly defrauding 139 Australians to the tune of AUD 8,000,000. He was picked up during a stakeout at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on his arrival from the United States on 6 December 2024.
“Using multiple aliases, Otukpa enticed victims on social media to invest in his fraudulent cryptocurrency investment platform, Liquid Asset Group. Proceeds from the alleged crimes were channelled into his bank accounts through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.”
The EFCC further confirmed that Otukpa will face charges in court upon the conclusion of investigations.