The INTERPOL in South Africa has arrested a Nigerian, James Junior Aliyu, who is being wanted for online fraud and $11million money laundering.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) also reports that James Aliyu (28), is believed to be part of a cyber-crime ring involved in phishing, internet scams and money laundering.
Aliyu was arrested at an upmarket estate in Sandton, Johannesburg, during the week, following a take-down operation.
Gauteng Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, who confirmed Aliyu’s arrest, said it was effected by the Interpol National Crime Bureau (NCB) in Pretoria in collaboration with the SAPS Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit during a swoop in on the upmarket estate.
Aliyu’s arrest was sequel to a widespread investigation involving law enforcement authorities from South Africa and the United States of America (USA).
The cyber-crime suspect has been conducting his criminal activities from South Africa. Aliyu is also accused of swindling dozens of US citizens millions in dollars through email and text messages.
Mathe said the US and many of Aliyu’s victims in that country had applied for his extradition.
It is instructive to note that Aliyu appeared before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on the same day of his arrest while the matter was adjourned till Tuesday, July 5.
