Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested Osang Usie Otukpa, a suspected online fraudster, for allegedly defrauding 139 Australians of AUD 8 million through a bogus cryptocurrency investment scheme.
Otukpa, who reportedly operated under five aliases—Ford Thompson, Oscar Donald Tyler, Michael Haye, Jose Vitto, and Kristin Davidson—was apprehended on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, upon his return from the United States.
According to the EFCC, Otukpa lured his victims via social media, convincing them to invest in his rogue cryptocurrency platform, Liquid Asset Group (LAG).
The ill-gotten funds were allegedly funneled through a global cryptocurrency exchange into his bank accounts.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest in a statement on December 13, 2024, noting that Otukpa would face prosecution upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
The anti-graft agency further reiterated its commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.
