Police bust syndicate hacking WhatsApp accounts to commit fraud

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says its cybercrime centre has busted a syndicate that specialises in the hacking of WhatsApp accounts to commit fraud.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, said the syndicate was responsible for the hack of WhatsApp accounts of many Nigerians, including prominent citizens.

The force spokesperson said operation followed an official complaint lodged on April 14 against the activities of the syndicate.

“A swift and strategic response by the NPF-NCCC’s cyber intelligence team led to the unmasking of a calculated scheme built around mobile platform compromise and social engineering tactics,” the statement reads.

“Through advanced digital forensics and other high investigative tactics, the investigators traced the fraudulent activity across multiple Nigerian banks, resulting in the freezing of illicit funds amounting to millions of naira.”

Adejobi said the investigation led to the arrest of Onajite Okoro, a key suspected member of the syndicate, in Warri, Delta state.

“The suspect confessed to collaborating with an accomplice identified as ‘Chief Mallam Zaki’, whom he met via Facebook, further highlighting his role in facilitating the fraudulent scheme by registering SIM cards, linking them to various bank accounts, and assisting in illicit fund transfers,” he said.

“Further analysis of Okoro’s fraudulent equipment and financial records has yielded concrete evidence of his involvement in the fraudulent scheme.

“The investigation also revealed additional syndicate members still at large. Efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects, conclude investigations and proceed with prosecution.”