The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a major international online investment fraud syndicate operating out of Agbor, Delta State, in a coordinated operation involving British law enforcement authorities and a leading global social media company. The crackdown marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat cyber-enabled financial crimes that target victims across borders.
According to the police, the operation was executed by the Police National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCC) in close partnership with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA), with critical intelligence and technical support provided by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.
Seven suspects were arrested during the raid, which authorities described as a carefully planned takedown of a sophisticated criminal network accused of defrauding victims in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and several other countries of millions of dollars through fraudulent online investment schemes.
Announcing the arrests in a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said investigations uncovered a well-coordinated syndicate that relied heavily on social media manipulation, impersonation, and psychological deception to lure unsuspecting victims.
“The leaders of the network expanded their operations by recruiting and training young individuals in retirement investment fraud techniques and phishing attacks,” Hundeyin said. “Their targets included victims in the United States of America, UK-based individuals, and other residents within the United Kingdom.”
The suspects were identified as Collins Ogwuorie, Christian Ogwuorie, Gbenoba Emmanuel, Samuel Olufemi, Collins Victor, Onyeka Emenem, and Kefas Ogunbor. Investigators believe the group played different roles within the syndicate, ranging from recruitment and training to online impersonation and direct engagement with victims.
Police sources disclosed that the alleged mastermind of the operation, Collins Ogwuorie, orchestrated the scheme by acquiring hundreds of social media accounts from online vendors. These accounts were then distributed among recruits, who used them to conduct impersonation, mass spamming, and targeted engagement with potential victims.
Using stolen identities and fabricated online personas, members of the syndicate posed as cryptocurrency traders, investment advisers, and financial experts. Victims were drawn in through convincing narratives promising high returns on investments, particularly targeting retirees and individuals seeking to grow their savings.
Authorities said the group also created and managed a fake Facebook community titled “Retirement Strategies: Real Estate and Market Insights.” The page was designed to appear legitimate and professional, featuring fabricated success stories, doctored screenshots, and false testimonials from supposed beneficiaries. These deceptive tactics were used to build trust and encourage victims to transfer funds into accounts controlled by the syndicate.
During the operation, police recovered 26 mobile phones, 42 SIM cards, and a laptop, which investigators believe were central to coordinating the fraud. The devices are currently undergoing forensic analysis to trace financial flows, identify additional accomplices, and uncover the full scope of the syndicate’s operations.
The Director of the NPF–NCC, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ifeanyi Henry Uche, said investigations are ongoing and that further arrests are likely as digital evidence continues to be analysed.
“This operation demonstrates the growing capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate and disrupt complex cybercrime networks,” Uche said. “Our teams are working diligently to ensure that all individuals connected to this syndicate are identified and brought to justice, both within and outside Nigeria.”
The police also confirmed that they are collaborating with international partners to track stolen funds and explore possible asset recovery, particularly in cases involving foreign victims.
In response to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended officers of the cybercrime centre for their professionalism and dedication. He reaffirmed the force’s commitment to combating online financial crimes and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s digital and financial ecosystems.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to strengthen partnerships with international law enforcement agencies and technology companies to ensure that cyberspace does not become a safe haven for criminals,” Egbetokun said.
The police advised members of the public to exercise extreme caution when approached with online investment offers, especially those promising unusually high or guaranteed returns. Citizens were urged to verify the authenticity of investment platforms, avoid sharing personal or financial information online, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
Reacting to the takedown, Meta welcomed the collaboration, stressing that coordinated action between technology companies and law enforcement is critical to curbing the growing threat of online scams.
“Scams are increasing across the internet, driven by organised crime syndicates that constantly evolve to evade detection,” said Sylvia Musalagani, Meta’s Head of Safety Policy for Africa, the Middle East and Türkiye. “This takedown demonstrates the impact of cooperation and the importance of a whole-of-society approach. We will continue working with security agencies to identify emerging threats and disrupt criminal networks.”
The UK National Crime Agency also praised the operation. Speaking on behalf of the agency, Matt Mountain commended Nigerian authorities for their decisive action and pledged continued collaboration in the global fight against cyber-enabled fraud.
“Online investment fraud causes significant financial and emotional harm to victims across the world,” Mountain said. “This successful operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling organised cybercrime networks that operate across borders.”
The bust comes amid growing global concern over the rise of online investment scams, particularly those exploiting social media platforms and targeting vulnerable populations. Law enforcement agencies say such crimes are increasingly transnational, requiring intelligence sharing, technical cooperation, and sustained partnerships to effectively disrupt.
With investigations still underway, Nigerian authorities say the Agbor operation sends a strong message that cybercriminals will be tracked, exposed, and prosecuted, regardless of where they operate or who their victims are.
