Online scam: Nigerian arrested in India for alleged N250 million fraud 

A Nigerian, Gabriel Onyeka, has been arrested by the Indian authorities for carrying out an online scam where an India-based businessman was allegedly defrauded of ₹1.25 crore (approximately ₦250.88 million). The accused, who was arrested at his residence in Kalyan, Maharashtra in India, has for a while been a key figure in several coordinated online scams targeting Indian nationals through various fraudulent cyber schemes.

While providing more updates on the online scam incident, Indian Police explained that Onyeka posed as a Senior Executive Officer from a highly respected pharmaceutical company and approached the victim to supply Plukenetia volubilis (an Ayurvedic liquid used in cosmetic and nutritional products) and pharmaceutical products. Therein, he offered the businessman a robust dealership and a lucrative order, further convincing the victim to trust the process.

Authorities noted that the businessman was asked to purchase a sample of the product from a designated supplier, whereas the supplier was later discovered to be a fake entity and part of the online scam controlled by Onyeka. After making the first purchase of one litre, individuals claimed to be quality control agents (also part of the online scam scheme) contacted the businessman and persuaded him to make more payments, claiming that increasing returns are guaranteed.

After being persuaded by the anticipated profits, the businessman transferred ₹47 lakh (around N5 million) for more stock, and more payments were also solicited under various justifications, leading to a total loss of ₹1.25 crore (N250.88 million).

While executing the online scam, Onyeka used the same mobile number, which helped authorities trace his location. After he was apprehended, the Indian Police recovered four mobile phones from his residence, where one of the devices contained a screenshot of a WhatsApp message sent to the victim, which authorities cited as evidence of Onyeka’s direct involvement.

Together with the online scam accusations, more investigations revealed that Onyeka has been living in India without credible documentation since 2012. He originally entered India on a medical visa for treatment in West Bengal. After his visa expired, he remained illegally and later relocated to Mumbai. Eight years later, the accused was booked by the Mumbai Police for overstaying his visa.

Similar Read: Job scam: Nigerian health worker narrates how he fell for fake UN job online.

While preparations are being made to arraign Onyeka and his accomplice before an Indian High Court, the Police have launched further investigations to identify other potential members of the syndicate. At the time of his arrest, Onyeka was living in a two-bedroom apartment on the 20th floor of a high-rise in Kalyan.

Online scam: a global pandemic 

Incidents of online scams have been on the rise, with increasing financial losses and increasing impact felt around the world. The rise has been attributed to factors such as the proliferation of online channels for shopping and financial transactions, as well as the sophisticated techniques used by fraudsters. According to a report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), Scammers stole over $1 trillion globally between October 2023 and November 2024, highlighting the significant economic and emotional toll on victims.

While several factors contributed to the increase in online scams, experts noted that the growing number of people using online channels, the ease with which scams can be replicated and disseminated, and the low rates of enforcement in some regions are huge contributing factors attributed to the rise in online scams.

In a recent move by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the agency returned N78,566,324.81 to American, Spanish, and Swiss victims of online scammers, further stressing the anti-crimes agency’s commitment to tackling economic and financial crimes as well as offering restitution to victims of fraudulent practices. In addition to money, the EFCC also returned vehicles and real estate to citizens of Spain, the United States of America, and Switzerland.  

The assets handing over was a result of EFCC’s move to prosecute 4 Chinese and 14 Filipinos for crimes such as cyber-terrorism and Internet fraud. The individuals were part of the 792 members arrested by EFCC in December for cryptocurrency and romance fraud. The EFCC ambush, tagged the “Eagle Flush Operation”, was recorded as the agency’s highest-ever raid.

Get familiar with online scams 

While online scam is now a global pandemic, it’s essential to be familiar with the tips used by perpetrators to lure victims into the process.

If it sounds too good to be true, then it’s probably a scam. Scammers easily prey on people who are desperate for quick riches with minimal effort, and also, beware of business activities invitations with unimaginable returns/profits. These kinds of people are easily deceived and made to part with their personal and financial information.

It’s probably a scam when you are forced or coerced to act immediately. Once you notice this, investigate the email or text message before acting on its content. Check the Internet for keywords used in the email; this would work. And if the email claims to be from your bank, call the customer service number on the last bank statement you received and NOT the number you found in the email sent by the scammers.

Fake online shopping websites are also on the rise. Scammers now build online shops and payment gateways to collect financial information. So, before you shop on any e-commerce website, do a Google search to get information or reviews before proceeding to give out personal information.

Just like investment scams/Ponzi schemes have one thing in common, online scam does. It’s highly important to be cautious and pay close attention to detail in every business transaction.