Cybercrime: Interpol nabs two Nigerians in South Africa
The International Criminal Police Organization a.k.a Interpol has arrested two Nigerians suspected to be cybercrime criminals in South Africa.
The identities of the duo were not disclosed but South Africa’s TimeLive reported that they were aged 39 and 42.
According to the report, they were nabbed on Wednesday during early morning raids with the collaborative efforts of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) known as Hawks in the Pretoria East suburb of Equestria.
The suspects are alleged to be linked to Nigerian organised crime syndicates operating sophisticated cybercrime networks.
According to Hawks spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, “The search and seizure operation by the joint team recovered electronic equipment, including laptops and phones, thousands of rand in cash, as well as an unlicensed firearm, in Wapadrand and Sunnyside.
“The two foreign nationals are alleged to be part of a cult known as the ‘Air Lords’ who are said to be rivals of the ‘Black Axe’ movement. The suspects will be charged, detained and extradited by Interpol.
“The suspects will be linked to online scams being investigated by the 419 provincial task team. This arrest is but one of several simultaneous happening in other countries tracing the suspects involved in online scams such as romance, investments, Bitcoin, employment and related advance fee fraud.”
The suspects will be charged to court on charges bordering on conspiracy to wire fraud, access device fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering schemes related to contraventions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
One of the suspects was will be charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, the Interpol also revealed.
