Edo: INTERPOL arrests resident for defrauding American woman of $550,000

Edo map

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant breakthrough in its fight against cyber-enabled crimes with the arrest of a suspect linked to the defrauding of an American woman of $550,000.

In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Deputy Commissioner of Police. Anthony Okon, acting through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja, police operatives arrested Emwanta Smith, a male resident of Uselu in Benin City, Edo State, on March 26, 2026.

The operation, which took place between March 23 and 26, 2026, was based on credible intelligence and followed a formal complaint by the victim, an American female citizen.

According to the police, the victim was defrauded of Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars ($550,000) between October 2025 and January 2026.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly impersonated prominent government officials and other notable public figures to gain the trust of the victim.

“He then induced her to transfer funds through cryptocurrency platforms. Further probes showed that proceeds from the crime were laundered through the acquisition of five vehicles and an unfinished property in Benin City.

“These items have been secured as exhibits. Operatives also recovered counterfeit $10,000 (Ten Thousand United States Dollars) from the suspect,” the statement read. Punch