Two Nigerians Arrested in India for WhatsApp Scam
Two Nigerians Arrested in India for WhatsApp Scam
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
The Gurgaon police cybercrime unit recently arrested two Nigerians, Ojo Uyiosa and a man identified as James, for orchestrating a sophisticated impersonation scam.
The duo allegedly targeted Indian businesses by posing as company directors to deceive staff. This arrest is part of an intensified effort by local authorities to dismantle digital fraud syndicates operating within the region.
The suspects utilized WhatsApp to contact employees, masquerading as high-level executives to create a false sense of professional urgency. By demanding “immediate” financial transfers for supposed business operations, they bypassed standard security protocols.
Unsuspecting workers, believing they were following legitimate internal orders, funneled company funds directly into the hands of the fraudsters.
Financial investigators traced approximately 10 lakh (over N15 million) to a Bandhan Bank account linked to the criminal ring. This specific account had already been flagged in two prior cybercrime reports, indicating a pattern of illicit activity. Once the money was successfully transferred, it was reportedly split among the suspects and their various accomplices.
Visa records show that Uyiosa arrived in India in 2014 as a student, while James entered more recently in 2023 on a tourist visa. Their transition from legal entry to alleged criminal involvement highlights ongoing challenges in monitoring the activities of foreign nationals. The police are now looking into whether their residency status aided in establishing their fraudulent network.
Upon their arrest, police seized two mobile phones and three SIM cards used to coordinate the scam. The suspects were arraigned in court and placed in a three-day remand for further interrogation. Detectives believe the duo is responsible for multiple other cyber fraud cases across India using this identical “executive impersonation” tactic.
This case reflects a concerning rise in cyber-related arrests of Nigerians abroad, specifically in countries like India, Ghana, and South Africa.
While the investigation continues, authorities are working to identify remaining syndicate members and recover additional stolen assets. Such incidents continue to draw scrutiny toward the Nigerian diaspora and the actions of the Nigerian government.
