Nigerian Nationals Apprehended in India for Elaborate Cyber Fraud Operation
In a significant development for international cyber crime investigations, authorities in India have arrested two Nigerian nationals for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated financial fraud scheme targeting corporate employees. The Gurgaon cyber crime police made the arrests in Delhi following a detailed investigation into suspicious digital activities.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
Police officials confirmed on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, that the accused individuals, identified as Ojo Uyiosa and James, were taken into custody from the S-Block area of Nathupur on Saturday. The breakthrough came after investigators analyzed a suspicious phone number that had been actively used in the fraudulent activities.
The investigation revealed that Uyiosa initially entered India in 2014 using a student visa, while James arrived more recently in 2023 with a tourist visa. Both individuals allegedly operated as part of a larger network involving other Nigerian nationals who collaborated in executing the fraudulent scheme.
Modus Operandi of the Fraudulent Operation
The cyber criminals employed a carefully crafted strategy to deceive their targets:
- Impersonating company directors through WhatsApp communications
- Creating a sense of urgency to pressure employees into immediate financial transfers
- Utilizing multiple bank accounts to receive and distribute the illicit funds
Police investigations uncovered that approximately ₹10 lakh had been transferred into a Bandhan Bank account as part of this specific fraud operation. Authorities noted that two separate cyber crime complaints had already been registered against this same bank account prior to the recent arrests.
Evidence Collection and Legal Proceedings
During interrogation and evidence analysis, investigators determined that the accused individuals had been involved in multiple cyber fraud incidents using identical methods. Following their apprehension, authorities registered a formal case against the suspects and presented them before a court on Sunday.
The court subsequently ordered three days of police custody for both individuals, allowing investigators additional time to gather more evidence and information about the broader criminal network.
Recovered Evidence and Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials successfully recovered two mobile phones and three SIM cards that had been used in the commission of the crimes. The primary communication method employed by the fraudsters was WhatsApp messaging, while their associates focused on arranging bank accounts to receive the defrauded money.
Police authorities have indicated that their investigation continues with several key objectives:
- Identifying additional members of the criminal gang
- Tracing further financial recoveries related to the fraud
- Uncovering the complete scope and financial impact of the fraudulent activities
The case highlights the growing international dimension of cyber crime and the sophisticated methods employed by criminal networks operating across national borders.
