A Nigerian national has been arrested in Turkey over his alleged involvement in a $2.5 million romance scam that reportedly targeted a Hong Kong-based dentist.
Turkish media outlet Haberler reported that the suspect, identified as Kingsley O., was apprehended alongside four others in Istanbul’s Esenyurt district following an investigation into an alleged online fraud operation that lasted about two years.
According to investigators, the suspect allegedly used the identity of an American businessman named Richard to establish an online relationship with the victim, identified as Siu P.Y.F., in 2020.
Authorities said the pair maintained regular communication over the phone, during which the suspect allegedly claimed he was executing a major investment project in Istanbul and required financial support.
Believing she was in a genuine relationship that would lead to marriage, the woman reportedly transferred a total of $2.5 million in several instalments to different bank accounts in Turkey between 2020 and 2022.
Police said communication between the two later ceased, prompting the victim to alert authorities in Hong Kong after she was unable to reach the man.
The report stated that initial investigations by Hong Kong law enforcement agencies failed to produce significant leads, leading the victim to hire a lawyer in Turkey and file a complaint with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Subsequent investigations by the Fraud Bureau of the Istanbul Police Department reportedly traced the movement of the funds to several bank accounts, resulting in the arrest of five account holders.
While four of the suspects allegedly denied any involvement in the scheme, one of them reportedly told investigators that he transferred funds received through his account to a Nigerian man known to him as Richard.
The disclosure led authorities to Kingsley, whom investigators identified as the alleged architect of the operation.
He was later arrested during a police operation and taken into custody for questioning.
However, the suspect reportedly denied the allegations levelled against him during interrogation.
Following the completion of investigations, Kingsley and the other suspects were arraigned before a court under heavy security.
Authorities alleged that the suspect deceived the victim by presenting himself under a false identity and exploiting a romantic relationship to obtain millions of dollars under the pretext of marriage and business investments.
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