By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Osang Usie Otukpa, a Nigerian national accused of defrauding 139 Australians out of $8 million through a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme.
Otukpa was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos upon his arrival from the United States. According to Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, the suspect employed multiple aliases to carry out the scam, including Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson.
The scam revolved around a rogue cryptocurrency platform named Liquid Asset Group, which Otukpa promoted extensively on social media. Victims were lured into investing in the platform, resulting in significant financial losses. The EFCC revealed that proceeds from the scam were funneled into Otukpa’s bank accounts via a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.
In a statement, the EFCC 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 stakeout 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—Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson—scammed the victims by luring them on 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.”
Investigations are ongoing, and the suspect will be charged in court upon completion of the process. This development highlights the EFCC’s efforts to combat cybercrime and restore trust in financial systems globally
