The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a suspect in Uselu, Edo State, over the alleged defrauding of an American woman of $550,000.
The victim reportedly lodged a complaint that the fraud occurred between October 2025 and January 2026.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the police said the suspect allegedly impersonated top government officials and other prominent personalities to gain the victim’s trust.
The statement noted that the suspect subsequently persuaded the victim to transfer funds through cryptocurrency channels.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that proceeds of the alleged crime were used to acquire five vehicles and an uncompleted building in Benin City, Edo State.
The items, along with the property, have been recovered and secured as exhibits.
Police authorities also disclosed that counterfeit cash amounting to $10,000 was found in the suspect’s possession.
The statement further explained that the arrest followed a coordinated operation by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja.
The operation, carried out between March 23 and 26, 2026, in Benin City, led to the suspect’s arrest on March 26 after intelligence tracking.
