The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Osang Otukpa, a suspected online fraudster, for allegedly defrauding 139 Australians of $AUD8 million.
Otukpa was arrested on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, upon his return from the United States.
According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, the suspect operated under five aliases—Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson—to deceive his victims.
Oyewale revealed that Otukpa targeted his victims on social media, persuading them to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform he created, called Liquid Asset Group.
Oyewale said, “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 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.
“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.
“The proceeds of the alleged crimes were routed to his bank accounts through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.”
Oyewale stated that the suspect will face charges in court once the investigation is finalized.