Nigerians held for cyber fraud investing in real estate back home: Cops

City crime branch sleuths, who arrested Nigerian nationals involved in online fraud, have given a startling revelation. They claim that Nigerians involved in cyber-crime cases here in Mumbai are investing money in real estate back home. The police have also learned that the accused Nigerians lived a lavish lifestyle and have made crores of rupees in cyber fraud so far.

Last week, the police had arrested Ezi Fanc Chinedu, Ekani Philip Ekemu, Efini Emeka Ujoichi alias Peter, David Efeka Amuche alias John, Afezur Aziur Rehman Sayyed alias Raju, Vikrant Shirodkar alias Manish Kadam and Mehfoos Sheikh in a case.

The group had duped Chembur resident Balmurgan Subbaiah Thevar to the tune of Rs2.15 lakh on the pretext of giving him an expensive Audi car.

"The group is led by Amuche. Chinedu, Ekemu and Amuche were caught when we conducted a raid at their 14th floor rented flat in Diamond One building, Aarey Colony in Goregaon. Amuche has told us that they have duped several people of crores of rupees through cyber fraud," said an officer from the property cell of crime branch.

He added that the group used to lead lavish lifestyles after having duped several unsuspecting people. "They paid a hefty rent of Rs25,000 per month for their 2BHK flat. They also used to frequent discotheques and splurge money on booze," the officer said.

Amuche had told the police that the group used to give 10% of the fraud money to their Indian counterparts and divide the rest among themselves. The police have so far come across as many as 25 bank accounts which the group had used to deposit the money got through fraud.

"Amuche has also told us that many Nigerians involved in cyber crime are sending back a huge part of the loot to their country, where it is being used in construction business. The money is sent through the hawala channel. Amuche has been active in cyber crime for the past couple of years, but was caught only now," said the officer.