Money laundering: EFCC re-arrests popular Instagram celebrity, Mompha

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Operatives of the Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have re-arrested a suspected internet fraudster, Ismailia Mustapha, for laundering funds obtained through unlawful activities and retention of alleged proceeds of crime.

Mustapha, also known as Mompha, was arrested on Monday, January 10, 2022.

According to a statement by the EFCC, the suspect is currently standing trial alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on an amended twenty-two-count charge bordering on cyber fraud and money laundering to the tune of N32.9bn (Thirty-two Billion Nine Hundred Thousand Naira) brought against him by the EFCC.

It will be recalled that Mompha had earlier been arrested on October 18, 2019, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while boarding an Emirates Airline flight to Dubai by the staff of the Nigeria Immigration Service, following a watch list by the EFCC.

Mompha is alleged to have used his registered companies to receive illicit funds on behalf of “yahoo yahoo” boys from across the world in return for a commission.

The account of one of his companies, Ismalob Global Investment Limited Bank, a Bureau de Change company, domiciled in Zenith Bank Plc, was allegedly used to launder funds derived from unlawful activities.

The investigation has revealed a fraudulent transfer slip of $92, 412, 75 found in the suspect’s iPhone 8 device. The EFCC says he will soon be charged to court.