The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended a suspected online fraudster, Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly defrauding 139 Australians of AUD $8 million through a fake cryptocurrency investment scheme.
Otukpa was arrested at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, upon his arrival from the United States on Friday, December 6, 2024. According to a statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the suspect operated under multiple aliases, including Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson.
The EFCC revealed that Otukpa lured his victims via social media platforms, convincing them to invest in his fraudulent cryptocurrency platform, Liquid Asset Group (LAG). Proceeds from the scheme were allegedly funneled through his bank accounts using a global cryptocurrency exchange platform, though the commission did not disclose the platform’s identity.
“Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a suspected online fraudster, Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly duping 139 Australians to the tune of AUD $8 million,” the EFCC statement read. “He was picked up in a stakeout at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon arrival from the United States of America on Friday, December 6, 2024.”
The commission added that Otukpa would face charges after the investigation is concluded.
