Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a suspected internet fraudster, Olawole Sunday, for allegedly purchasing bank account details from individuals to facilitate fraudulent activities.
According to the EFCC, Sunday specialized in approaching unsuspecting youths and convincing them to open multiple bank accounts.
He reportedly paid each person between N25,000 and N50,000 in exchange for full access to their bank account details, including their Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards.
One of such accounts, belonging to Uyi Godstime Eghosa, was allegedly used to defraud a victim of N2 million under the guise of investing in forex trading. Following the transaction, the account was flagged, and Eghosa was subsequently arrested.
During interrogation, Eghosa explained that he had no knowledge of the fraudulent transaction and that he handed over his account and ATM card to Sunday after being paid N25,000.
“I didn’t know my account was being used for fraud,” Eghosa reportedly told investigators. “He paid me N25,000 and collected my ATM card and other details.”
Following Eghosa’s revelation, the EFCC tracked down and arrested Sunday, who confessed to the crime.
“Yes, I paid people to give me their account details,” Sunday allegedly admitted during questioning. “I used them for transactions, including the forex trading scheme that led to the N2 million transfer.”
