Nigerians have been reacting with mixed feelings after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States announced the arrest of some 80 Nigerians over internet fraud.
The FBI revealed the names and aliases of the Nigerian-born fraudsters who were arrested during a bust of an 80-man Internet crime syndicate across the United States.
According to American officials two Nigerians run a money-laundering network used for the transfer of stolen funds.
They run a group of fraudsters, numbering 80 who undertake several internet frauds.
They were alleged to have attempted to swindle unsuspecting victims of $40m.
Valentine Iro, 33, and Chukwudi Christogunus Igbokwe, 38 were both arrested alongside 78 others.
Indictment charges relate to at least $6m in fraudulently obtained funds transferred to the Nigerians.
The two Nigerians and their accomplices attempted to swindle others of money running into $40m before their arrest.
How they operate
American officials said the suspects allegedly targeted the lovelorn, the elderly, and small and large businesses.
They often use a variety of scams to persuade their victims to send money over the internet.
“Some of the victims of the conspiracy lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to fraud schemes, and many were elderly,” the Justice Department said.
On Thursday prosecutors announced charges against the suspects.
The charges cover a wide-ranging fraud and money laundering operation that netted millions of dollars from victims of internet con jobs.
Reactions
On social media, Nigerians have been reacting with mixed feelings.
80 Nigerians have muddied the water for 190million Nigerians.
Shout out to all the #YoungNlegit individuals waking up at 4am everyday to make ends meet.
If the arrest and prosecution of the 80 Nigerians would lead to redemption, God redeem the image of this nation for us.
— Lawali?♥ (@official_dlaw) August 23, 2019
Remember FBI mentioned 80 Nigerians, not 80 yoruba men, not 80 igbo men, not 80 hausa men, 80 NIGERIANS…. Before stupid people tribalise this whole issue.
— Ayodeji (@datmastermind80) August 23, 2019
I woke up to this phrase trending, I thought “80 Nigerians” meant, 80 Nigerians won scholarship or were given awards for good service. But when I saw the actual truth, I still wasn’t surprised ? pic.twitter.com/GexEd42ENs
— Adeola (@kween_sama) August 23, 2019
We Nigerians have always been infamous for cyber crime… So things like the 80 Nigerians is just reminding us of what we already know. pic.twitter.com/GiaHuYnQYD
— Your Mr. Right (@oga_dannie) August 23, 2019
Good morning. #ThisIsYourConscienceSpeaking. When people disgrace our country by engaging in fraud, our reaction should not be “It’s not only us” or “It’s because we are poor.” We should condemn the perpetrators and list 80 Nigerians making us proud around the world. Think am o.
— Dr. Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) August 23, 2019
A major crackdown
This month another Nigerian, this time a businessman Obinwanne Okeke aka ‘Invictus Obi’ was also arrested by the FBI in the U.S over alleged $11 million fraud.
Okeke was a Forbes Contributor & a Young African Business Leader nominee.
FBI documents revealed that Okeke was charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
He was allegedly arrested during a visit to the US recently.
Source: Africafeeds.com
