ABUJA – A Nigerian behind thousands of online scandals around the world has been captured in the southern oil city of Port Harcourt.
The 40-year Mike allegedly heads a network of 40 individuals who have carried out global scams worth more than $60 million.
His operations involve the use of targeted malware, compromised emails and romance scandals to take over systems.
“In one instance, a target was conned into paying out $15.4 m,” Interpol said in a statement.
“Mike” also allegedly ran a money laundering network in China, Europe and the US.
“The network compromised email accounts of minor to medium businesses around the world, including in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, Romania, South Africa, Thailand and the United States,” the statement read.
The suspect and an accomplice, who was likewise held in the city, face charges including hacking, conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretexts.
They are currently out on bail as investigations continue, the statement read.
