The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the arrest of Osondu Igwilo, an alleged criminal network leader who has been on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) wanted list since 2018.
In a statement released on Monday, the anti-graft agency said Igwilo and three other suspects were captured in Lagos on March 11.
They are accused of being involved in a $100 million money laundering and identity theft scheme.
The statement reads, “Fifty-two-year-old Igwilo, who is the alleged leader of a criminal network of ‘catchers’ was arrested alongside Okafor Nnamdi Chris, Nwodu Uchenna Emmanuel and John Anazo Achukwu at a studio in the Sangotedo area of Lagos for alleged fraud, money laundering and identity theft to the tune of about $100m.”
They were alleged to have impersonated banks in the USA, promising return on investment to victims.
“Investigation revealed that those who fell victims to the suspects’ criminal activities were asked to make certain payments before they could receive their funding.
“It was also revealed that proceeds of the scheme were allegedly laundered through U.S. bank accounts and diverted back to the alleged perpetrators in Nigeria.
“Consequently, Igwilo was placed on the FBI watch list, following a criminal complaint filed against him in the United States District Court, Houston, Texas in December 2016.”
Five houses have been recovered in Igwilo, Lagos, according to the EFCC, and the accused would be arraigned in court soon.
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