Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested Osang Usie Otukpa, a Nigerian national accused of orchestrating an $8 million cryptocurrency scam that defrauded 139 Australians.
Otukpa was apprehended at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos upon his return from the United States.
According to Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Otukpa employed multiple aliases — including Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson — to deceive his victims.
The alleged scam involved a fake cryptocurrency investment platform, Liquid Asset Group, which Otukpa heavily promoted on social media. Victims were lured into investing in the platform, only to suffer significant financial losses.
The EFCC disclosed that proceeds from the fraudulent scheme were funneled into Otukpa’s bank accounts via a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.
The EFCC’s statement read: “Operatives of EFCC have arrested a suspected online fraudster, Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly duping 139 Australians to the tune of $AUD8,000,000.
“He was picked up in a stakeout at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon arrival from the United States of America on Friday, December 6, 2024.
“Otukpa, who goes by five aliases, scammed the victims by luring them on social media to invest in his rogue cryptocurrency investment platform, Liquid Asset Group.
“The proceeds of the alleged crimes were routed to his bank accounts through a global cryptocurrency exchange platform.”
Oyewale confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that Otukpa will face charges in court upon the conclusion of the probe.
Nigerian arrested for alleged $8m cryptocurrency scam targeting Australians
