The Federal Bureau of Investigations arrested Obinwanne Okeke for conspiracy to commit fraud worth Kshs 1.1 billion ($11 million) in an online phishing scam. The arrest reveals the gravity of email fraud, where the bureau received 14000 complaints totaling to Ksh113 billion ($1.1 billion) in the first 7 months of 2019.
FBI arrested Mr. Okeke, the chairman and CEO of Invictus Group after Unatrac Holding Limited filed a report for a fraudulent activity worth $ 11 million. The report reveals that a fraudster accessed sensitive information via a phishing email. Moreover, the scam exposed log-in credentials of the company’s CFO which initiated a series of transfers amounting to $ 11 million. A 13-month investigation from July 2018 led them to Mr. Okeke.
Additionally, a jury indictment names 80 defendants accused of defrauding up to $ 10 million. This is a percentage of the totality of fraud in this age, where fraudsters attempt to steal as much as $ 40 million from 10 countries.
Oh, how the mighty falleth
Okeke’s arrest might affect Nigeria’s reputation abroad. Pulse notes international media houses might be hesitant to feature upcoming Nigerian entrepreneurs. The man appeared in Forbes 30 Under 30, as well as in various talks hosted by Wharton and TedX. Therefore, his downfall will raise brows regarding the reputation of other recipients of such prestigious accolades.
” The arrest of Okeke could see organizations think twice before inviting future entrepreneurial stars from Nigeria. ” – Pulse
