Police uncover N500m visa scam, arrest four in Lagos

Police uncover N500m visa scam, arrest four in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has discovered a multi-million naira visa scam and arrested four suspects accused of being behind the fraudulent operation, which defrauded over 100 victims of more than N500 million.

The suspects, identified as Blessing Wefsutu, 27; Chineye Christian, 36; Archibong Udeme Ifereke, 23; and Maurine Peter, 25, worked for an educational consultant firm in Lagos’ Ago Okota region.

The crime was first reported to the Ago Okota Police Division before being moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba for a more thorough investigation.

Preliminary investigations found that the consultancy service, claiming to facilitate Canadian and Australian work permits, reportedly took substantial sums of money from naive clients.

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The accused apparently offered assured career chances abroad but failed to deliver, raising suspicions and eventually resulting in police involvement.

On Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest and revealed that the scam involved over 100 victims and a total of around ₦500 million.

“Further investigations indicate that the syndicate includes additional accomplices who are currently at large.

“The command is intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice,” the statement read.

CP Olohundare Jimoh, the Commissioner of Police for Lagos State Command, asked residents to exercise caution and verify the credibility of travel and recruitment agencies before indulging in any visa-related transactions.

He underlined the command’s commitment to protecting the public from fraudulent schemes and holding violators accountable under the law.

Police uncover N500m visa scam, arrest four in Lagos