NPF-NCCC bursts cybercrime syndicates, dismantles 5,049 malicious domains, Says Police spokesperson
BY ANDREW OROLUA
The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime (NPF-NCCC),said it dismantled no fewer than 5,049 malicious and fraudulent domains and networks, including major cybercrime syndicates responsible for high-profile cases of identity theft.
The syndicates also account for business email compromise (BEC), computer-related fraud, money laundering, and WhatsApp hacking and transborder cybercrimes .
Police Force Headquarters spokesperson , ACP Muyiwa Adejobi disclose this during a briefing on the activities of (NPF-NCCC).
Specifically, he said that operatives arrested one Douglass Victor on December 20, 2024, a key suspect in a cybercrime syndicate led by Diepreye Samuel and that the syndicate specializes in compromising business emails to defraud global companies.
“Victor confessed to hacking customers’ email accounts, intercepting business communications, and diverting funds to the syndicate’s accounts,” when he was interrogated.
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Besides, Adejobi said that the police had evidence from Victor’s Skype account revealing thousands of compromised email credentials and login details adding that the syndicate operates internationally, communicating exclusively via Skype to avoid detection.
Though, police operatives are on the hunt for syndicate’s leader and other members presently at large, in another cybercrime offence, a 26-year-old Egbo Efe Martins from Ughelli South, Delta State, has been arrested for fraudulently facilitating opening and renting bank accounts to cybercriminals.
“Egbo used his girlfriend’s personal information to create multiple accounts with a prominent Nigerian digital bank, which were then rented out to scammers involved in WhatsApp hacking.
“These criminals targeted prominent Nigerians, including senators and ministers, by hacking their WhatsApp accounts to solicit funds from their contacts under false pretenses.”
Adejobi said Egbo has been charged to court for offences of Criminal Conspiracy, Impersonation, and Computer-Related Fraud under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024, as amended. While
efforts are on to arrest other accomplices.
The police also burst WhatsApp hacking scheme after one Isah fell victim and was defrauded of ₦24 million following messages from a hacked account of a trusted friend.
According to the police,three suspects;Chinedu Godswill Israel (20), Lucky Adesunloye (34), and Ndifreke Joseph Moody (27)have been arrested in connection with the scam.
They have confessed to hacking WhatsApp accounts and impersonated victims and extort money from their contacts.
The Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi also gave the summary of activities of Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime (NPF-NCCC)for 2024.
NPF-NCCC apprehended over 751 fraudulent suspects last year and charged them with cybercrime related threat offences, while 685 devices were recovered from them.
Stating that that the Centre is poised to tackle emerging cyber threats to safeguard Nigeria’s digital cyberspace and ensure the protection of victims of cybercrime this year, he said that items
recovered from suspects includes 467 mobile phones, 137 laptops/computers, 46 routers, 4 servers, 1 drone, and 4 Starlink devices.
However, the Cyber Squad Centre only secured 14 convictions out of 751 apprehended suspects.
According to the Police , 16 houses, 39 plots of land, and 14 land documents were confiscated, alongside 26 vehicles from suspects last year.
About 508 cybercrime cases were reported, including sextortion and cyberstalking.
The department recovered from suspects a total sum of N8.82 billion, 115,237.91 USDT, and $84,00 and restituted same amount to suspect’s victims.
Adejobi said that 2024 was a year of remarkable achievements, significant operational milestones, as Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) and indeed Nigeria Police Force received numerous accolades for jobs well done.
“These accomplishments underscore the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital landscape and combating cybercrime effectively.
He recalled that their operations was enhanced by some initiatives. “In early 2024, the NPF-NCC relaunched an upgraded Cybercrime E-Reporting System, enhancing accessibility and streamlining the process for citizens to report cyber incidents, including extortion, cryptocurrency and investment scams, cyberstalking, and other cybercrime trends.
“This system has significantly increased reporting efficiency, enabling quicker response times and more effective case management,” he said.
The Centre last year also spearheaded a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness campaign, through workshops, seminars, and digital platforms . The initiative was focused on educating the public about online safety practices and the importance of reporting cyber threats which was becoming rampant.
