EFCC, INTERPOL nab three Nigerians for internet fraud in “operation killer bee”
The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested three Nigerians over alleged internet fraud.
Interpol, in a statement published on its website, stated that the suspects allegedly used a malicious Remote Access Trojan (RAT) to steal confidential online details from corporate organisations.
South-east Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa were believed to be among the affected corporate entities, according to reports.
The suspects were apprehended in a sting operation called ‘Killer Bee’ in the Ajegunle axis of Lagos state, Benin city, and Edo state, according to Interpol.
One of the suspects, Hendrix Omorume, was charged with three charges of significant financial fraud and was sentenced to one year in prison.
Craig Jones, Interpol’s director of cybercrime, while speaking on the arrest, said millions could have been lost if the Interpol had not alerted the EFCC.
“Through its global police network and constant monitoring of cyberspace, INTERPOL had the globally sourced intelligence needed to alert Nigeria to a serious security threat where millions could have been lost without swift police action,” Jones said.
“Further arrests and prosecutions are foreseen across the world as intelligence continues to come in and investigations unfold.”
Abdulkarim Chukkol, EFCC director of operations, stated that the commission collaborates with Interpol to keep pace with new technologies, and understand how they are being used by criminals.
“Cybercrime is spreading at a fast pace, with new trends constantly emerging,” Chukkol said
“Through operations like Killer Bee, INTERPOL partners EFCC to keep pace with new technologies, and understand the possibilities they create for criminals, and how they can be used as tools for fighting cybercrime.
“The enforcement actions led by Nigeria and coordinated by INTERPOL send a clear message that cybercrime will have serious repercussions for those involved in business email compromise fraud, particularly in Nigeria,” he added.
