EFCC probes man accused of using fake alerts to defraud BDC operators

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Enugu Zonal Directorate has launched an investigation into 38-year-old Raheem Abiodun Wasiu, accused of defrauding Bureau De Change (BDC) operators of a total of $19,000. Wasiu allegedly posed as a wealthy contractor and used fake bank alerts to convince victims that payments had been made after collecting their foreign currency.

Two BDC operators, Ezekulie Stanley Chukwuamuanya and Chief Nwaoha Ubaferem, reported losing $5,000 and $7,000 respectively to Wasiu. According to the EFCC, Wasiu would rent various Toyota Hilux trucks, present himself as a wealthy contractor, and move around with escorts before meeting BDC operators in parts of the South-East. After collecting money, Wasiu would present fake naira payment alerts to make victims believe the transfers had been completed.

Chukwuamuanya recounted how Wasiu took his $2,600, asked for his bank details, claimed the payment had gone through without receiving any alert, and became unreachable shortly after. Ubaferem alleged that Wasiu defrauded him of $7,000 after he provided an additional $4,400 upon Wasiu's request.

Further investigation revealed that Wasiu had traveled across the South-East and Akwa Ibom State, allegedly targeting BDC operators using the same method. Items recovered from the suspect include a Toyota Hilux truck, ATM cards, bank transfer tokens, a digital National Identification Number slip, designer bags, multiple phones, internet devices, a watch, vehicle documents, a gold bangle, and Alexander McQueen shoes. Wasiu will be charged in court following the completion of the investigations.