Interpol arrests Nigerian in Argentina over ‘multiple romance scams’

Police authorities in Argentina have arrested Ikechukwu N, a Nigerian man, for “orchestrating multiple romance scams involving thousands of women”.

The suspect was arrested in Argentina after he was placed on the wanted list of the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).

His arrest represents Argentina’s first arrest of a red notice fugitive who was also the subject of an INTERPOL silver notice.

The arrest was carried out by Argentine Federal Police and Airport Security Police.

In a statement released on Tuesday by INTERPOL’s headquarters, the international police said the Nigerian was also accused of “leading an international cybercrime network”.

“Argentine authorities have captured Nigerian national Ikechukwu N., marking the country’s first arrest of a #RedNotice fugitive who was also the subject of an INTERPOL Silver Notice,” the statement reads.

“The suspect is accused of orchestrating multiple romance scams involving thousands of women, and leading an international cybercrime network.

“The arrest was part of Operation Jackal, an INTERPOL-coordinated initiative targeting West African organized criminal groups.

“It was carried out by @PFAOficial and @seguridadpsa, with support from IFCACC, FIS, and INTERPOL Brazil.

“The Silver Notice pilot project, launched in January 2025, aims to help countries trace and recover criminal assets.”