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Reported Top Nigerian Email Scammer Arrested (bbc.com)

Posted by msmash on from the one-less-thing-to-worry-about dept.

Reader retroworks writes: Interpol reports that a Nigerian behind thousands of online scams around the world has been arrested in the southern oil city of Port Harcourt. The 40-year-old man, known only as "Mike" is alleged to head a network of 40 individuals behind global scams worth more than $60 million. His operations involved using malware to take over systems to compromise emails, as well as romance scams. Nigeria's anti-fraud agency was also involved in the arrest.

"In one case, a target was conned into paying out $15.4 million," Interpol said in a statement. "Mike" also allegedly ran a money laundering network in China, Europe and the US. The network compromised email accounts of small to medium-sized businesses around the world. They would then send fake messages to buyers with instructions to make a payment to a bank account under their control.

65 comments

  1. So.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Is he really a prince?

    1. Re:So.... by tchdab1 · · Score: 5, Funny

      He's the scammer formerly known as Prince.

    2. Re:So.... by Opportunist · · Score: 2, Funny

      Well, technically no, but last I heard he's looking for someone to help him transfer 60 millions out of the country because they're in danger of being confiscated. I'm sure he's willing to share the booty with a kind soul willing and able to help him.

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
    3. Re:So.... by penguinoid · · Score: 1

      Is he really a prince?

      "In one case, a target was conned into paying out $15.4 million," Interpol said in a statement.

      He might as well be.

      --
      Don't waste your vote! Vote for whoever you want, unless you live in a swing state it won't matter anyways
  2. Can I get that e-mail? by ZiakII · · Score: 5, Funny

    In one case, a target was conned into paying out $15.4 million

    Anyone know that user's email? I need that user's email for research.

    1. Re:Can I get that e-mail? by 140Mandak262Jamuna · · Score: 5, Funny
      Dear Mr ZiakII(829432),

      My name is Abooloosaa Qui`d Ubololso, Prince, and Son of a Prince, and Grandson of a Prince, who called the river bo, the sky so`ck.

      I am in possession of a bank account that holds 15.4 million dollars. This money was conned out of a foolish American businessman. But unfortunately, before we could empty the account, our ring leader has been arrested. For legal reasons I can not appear in person to collect the money.

      Please help me present you as the rightful owner of that money, a foolish man, conned by us. Once you take possession of the money, I plead with you to be honest and give us our fair share, just 5 million dollars. The rest you can keep for your efforts.

      Please contact me ...

      --
      sed -e 's/Chuck Norris/Rajnikant/g' joke > fact
    2. Re:Can I get that e-mail? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hi my name Jignes Mehta . I can giv 5 lakhs if you giv 14 lakhs . where I come?

    3. Re:Can I get that e-mail? by michelcolman · · Score: 2

      To be fair, they didn't just send out Nigerian Prince e-mails.

      From the article: "The other strategy they used was to take over the email account of a high-level executive and give instructions to transfer money into a bank account they controlled."

      And the "take over" was probably as simple as "send a fake e-mail appearing to come from that address" which is trivial to do.

  3. Nigeria has an anti fraud agency? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I think the real news here is that Nigeria had an anti fraud agency. I always imagined Nigeria was like that city in adventure time where everyone some from each other, all the time, forever, as if it were a compulsion.

    1. Re:Nigeria has an anti fraud agency? by NotInHere · · Score: 2

      Yes someone has to pursuit you if you didn't pay your bribe money in time

    2. Re:Nigeria has an anti fraud agency? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      He didn't say it was. He might watch children's cartoons, but at least he can read.

    3. Re:Nigeria has an anti fraud agency? by Darinbob · · Score: 1

      You have now convinced me that I need to watch Adventure Time.

    4. Re:Nigeria has an anti fraud agency? by davidwr · · Score: 1

      Nigeria has an anti-fraud agency, like Casablanca (in the movie of the same name) had a police department.

      --
      Knowledge is how to play a game, intelligence is how to win, wisdom is knowing what game to play.
  4. In other words: by fustakrakich · · Score: 3, Funny

    "Mike's" brother in law, "Jeff" has taken over the operation. They have assured us that there will no disruption of service.

    --
    “He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
    1. Re:In other words: by invictusvoyd · · Score: 1

      No "Jeff" is busy with arms and narcotics. "jim's " prostitution racket has just been busted so he may be top on the list for CEO

  5. an unfortunate event that was bound to happen. by nimbius · · Score: 4, Funny

    ive been following this story for awhile. Mike of course isnt his real name. Africa is rife with instability and danger around ever corner, so Mike is no doubt a clever alias. For those of us who have had contact with this "scammer" his true identity is Prince Alyusi Islassis. You see, this prince has been hunted during a deadly coup against his once peaceful african nation, and during a mad rush from office under the cover of darkness and several bodyguards, authorised a secret funds transfer untraceable by his nemesis. These funds are safe, of course, as ive already provided bank information for the prince as he no doubt furiously sought asylum from his nefarious enemy. Alas, it seems corruption runs deep in the heart of africa...and I pray Prince Alyusi is being treated fairly by what is no doubt a security bankrolled entirely by the opposition.

    if you'll excuse me ive been contacted by a secret member of the princes royal family, and am to help secure his release by providing my social security number and credit card information so as he may assume my identity, briefly, in what is no doubt a very real situation of life or death.

    --
    Good people go to bed earlier.
    1. Re:an unfortunate event that was bound to happen. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hey... That's the same guy that said I won the $25,000,000,000,000,000.00 Nigerien lottery, and all I had to do was give him my SS#, birthday, mothers maiden name, bank account number, and they'd deposit the funds in my account. I made a downpayment on Texas and will be in default if they don't give me my money soon.

    2. Re:an unfortunate event that was bound to happen. by e.coli · · Score: 1

      If you are serious about the Texas thing, I am sure that you can set up a GoFundMe page to collect enough from the potatriots there to finish the purchase and secede from the U.S.

  6. Why is this even a crime? by RandomSurfer314 · · Score: 0

    I know this opinion bound to be controversial, but Nigerian email scams seem to me like a way to make a few completely retarded morons in rich countries poorer and some smart people in Nigeria richer. Sounds fair to me.

    1. Re:Why is this even a crime? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Communications fraud is a crime in most developed countries, especially in regards to business transactions. Check out the US UCC for example.

    2. Re: Why is this even a crime? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      I see you lack the ability so see things from someone elses perspective, also know as empathy. I know this is going to be hard for you, but imagine if this happened to you or more likely your grandparents.

    3. Re:Why is this even a crime? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hey, I'm an AC, us anonymous cowards are supposed to be the trolls.

      Get your own gig.

    4. Re:Why is this even a crime? by GLMDesigns · · Score: 1

      So do you have a problem with smart people in rich countries also taking money from completely retarded morons? Or must the smart people only come from poor countries?

      --
      If you're scared of your govt then you need to further restrict its powers
      Vote 3rd Party in 2016 and beyond
    5. Re:Why is this even a crime? by PPH · · Score: 2

      Because they are competing with Christian televangelists for a limited number of retarded morons in rich countries.

      --
      Have gnu, will travel.
    6. Re:Why is this even a crime? by RandomSurfer314 · · Score: 1

      They do that all the time.

    7. Re: Why is this even a crime? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The only one who lacks empathy here is you. I know it's hard if not impossible for you, but try to imagine you're a poor guy and live in Nigeria. Oh... and don't be a moron, it helps too.

    8. Re:Why is this even a crime? by GLMDesigns · · Score: 1

      That they do. But the point is - we usually don't excuse "smart" folks for ripping off poor people. Why would we excuse it if the "smart" people came from a poor country? And dumb is a loaded word. One can be naive, unsophisticated, even "dumb" and be a very nice person. You can also be very smart and be a piece of sh!t.

      --
      If you're scared of your govt then you need to further restrict its powers
      Vote 3rd Party in 2016 and beyond
    9. Re:Why is this even a crime? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Let me put it another way: Read this comparison.

      And yes, I do believe that extreme poverty does justify non-violent crime against people who would otherwise probably spend their money on telemarketing scams. For Christ's sake, there are even famines in Nigeria.

      To put it yet another way, the people who downvoted my post are in my opinion sicker than any Nigerian scammer, they just aren't aware of it while they are farting in their armchairs.

    10. Re:Why is this even a crime? by Gavagai80 · · Score: 1

      Have you ever read the emails? These aren't smart people. They're exceptionally stupid people, preying on the elderly who've developed dementia but not been hospitalized yet.

      --
      This space intentionally left blank
    11. Re: Why is this even a crime? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I see you lack the ability so see things from someone elses perspective, also know as empathy. I know this is going to be hard for you, but imagine if this happened to you or more likely your grandparents.

      When I see it from your perspective all I see is a world of wilful ignorance, things you want to take from others, and a welfare mentality that blames the rest of the world for your thwarted attempts to live a life of mindless stupidity. So while I understand your perspective empathy with it doesn't engender sympathy - more revulsion and concern for the moronic and greedy threat you pose to civilisation. As for my grandparents - they were kind, thoughtful, intelligent, and generous. The only times they were conned was when they donated money to false charities - something they considered sad but didn't get all hung up over.

      If you'd either been born free of intellectual and moral impediments, or bothered to take time out from eating paste up the back of the class and cultivate those abilities - you'd know the being conned and failing to take advantage of the (illusion created by the) con artist are mutually exclusive.

      too lazy;dumb and recalcitrant? Scams are where two parties try and take advantage of each other - both are bad. It's debatable as to whether people who fail to take advantage of some who later turns out to be a con-artists, and then cry about it - are higher on the arsehole scale.

      Waaa - that lowlife pretended to be a rich cripple and when I tried to mug him he ran over my foot and stole my wallet! (Zionist) Bastard! ~ D "Vote for Me!" T

    12. Re: Why is this even a crime? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The people executing Nigerian scams are not poor. To have access to a computer in Nigeria requires a disposable income. Moreover the scammers tend to target the poor. We are not talking about a starving child stealing a loaf of bread, but an organized group akin to the mob.

  7. Hope by Tablizer · · Score: 2

    Good, finally I have a chance to get my 5 grand back

    --
    Table-ized A.I.
  8. Excuse me.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The 40-year-old man, known only as "Mike"...

    That's "His Royal Highness Mike".

    1. Re:Excuse me.... by Opportunist · · Score: 1

      More the con-artist formerly known as prince.

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  9. ... as well as romance scams ... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    a.k.a. Ashley Madison extortion?

  10. Bail set? by Major+Blud · · Score: 5, Funny

    GREETINGS RESEPECTED ONE,

    MY NAME IS WUMI ABDUL I RECEIVED YOUR NAME FROM INTERNATIONAL WEB DIRECTORY. MY COUSIN PRINCE MIKE IS BEING HELD AGAINST HIS WILL BY NIGERIAN AUTHORITIES. HE IS IN THE POSSESSION OF $60 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS THAT WE WILL GIVE YOU 45% OF IF YOU ASSIST US. ALL WE ASK IS THAT YOU DONATE $25000 U.S. DOLLARS TO OUR "FREE PRINCE MIKE" KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN.

    IF YOU DONATE YOU WILL RECEIVE A "FREE PRINCE MIKE" COFFEE MUG.

    ANTICIPATING TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.
    THANKS AND GOD BLESS.
    BEST REGARDS,
    WUMI ABDUL

    --
    If you post as Anonymous Coward, don't expect a reply.
    1. Re:Bail set? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET AROUND THE LAMENESS FILTER??

      Filter error: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING.

      Filter error: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING.

      Filter error: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING.

      Filter error: Don't use so many caps. It's like YELLING.

    2. Re:Bail set? by davidwr · · Score: 3, Funny

      HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET AROUND THE LAMENESS FILTER??

      According to Prince Mike, CowboyNeal is running the Kickstarter.

      --
      Knowledge is how to play a game, intelligence is how to win, wisdom is knowing what game to play.
    3. Re:Bail set? by Major+Blud · · Score: 1

      Every Nigerian scam e-mail I've ever received has been all caps. The AC must be pretty dense if he can't get the joke. I guess I was able to get around the lameness filter the same way he was able to get around the login page.

      --
      If you post as Anonymous Coward, don't expect a reply.
  11. I agree! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I know this opinion bound to be controversial, but Nigerian email scams seem to me like a way to make a few completely retarded morons in rich countries poorer and some smart people in Nigeria richer. Sounds fair to me.

    I totally agree! See, I have a business plan where I will sell demented elderly people "life insurance", "home monitoring" and even burial plots on the Whitehouse lawn. I'll take their money and give them nothing in return. They don't need the money. And it's their problem anyway. At worst they have to move in with their kids or grandkids. Every boy wants his MeeMaw around!

    1. Re:I agree! by CronoCloud · · Score: 1

      Every boy wants his MeeMaw around!

      The word is Grandmother or Grandma, Johnny Reb! Only NASCAR and Bible addled Southrons use MeeMaw. Around here you can always tell an immigrant from the South by their Dale Earnhardt bumper sticker on their pickup truck, socks with crocs in the winter, and use of words like MeeMaw.

    2. Re:I agree! by cyberchondriac · · Score: 1

      Somehow I'll bet you're good with people saying, "bae" though.
      Yo, my bae is lit, fam, she drives a Prius.
      Now that's lingual sophistication m'boy!

      --

      Look back up at my post, now look back down, you're on the Internet. Now look back up. I'm a signature.
    3. Re:I agree! by CronoCloud · · Score: 1

      What is this "bae" thing you speak of? Some bastardization of proper English? I actually had to look it up a few weeks ago. It apparently can either mean "before anyone else" or it can be used as short for "baby".

      Language Philistines, BAH! Inamorata or girlfriend/boyfriend are good enough for anyone.

      I do drive a Prius though.

  12. Oblig: Tom Smith link by powerlord · · Score: 1

    http://www.thefump.com/lyrics....

    Artist: Tom Smith
    Title: The Most Trusted Man in Nigeria

    --
    This space for rent. All reasonable inquiries will be entertained at proprietors discretion.
  13. Seriously? by Lodlaiden · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The Nigerian scammer was actually Nigerian?

    --
    Suborbital [spaceflight] is the special olympics of spaceflight. - Rei
    1. Re:Seriously? by bheerssen · · Score: 1

      Sometimes clichés deserve their status.

      --
      (Score: -1, Stupid)
    2. Re:Seriously? by davidwr · · Score: 1

      Sometimes clichés deserve their status.

      Which cliché did you mean?

      This one:

      The Nigerian scammer was actually Nigerian?

      Or the one in the parent-poster's signature:

      Suborbital [spaceflight] is the special olympics of spaceflight. - Rei

      --
      Knowledge is how to play a game, intelligence is how to win, wisdom is knowing what game to play.
  14. Has this ever worked? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Disregarding the insane amount quoted as "best of" - what could any $country prince offer to somebody who already has millions cash to burn? surely such people have found better, verified, avenues to launder money - was there ever a success story? State lottery entices with (at least where I live) a message like "we are bound to use a significant part of the profits for the greater good". Private owners know that they need to bring success stories into the media (and, hopefully for the poor suckers, actually pay). I've seen neither of such examples linked to the famous Nigerian scams.

  15. Like the hydra... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...when you cut off the head two will grow back.

    1. Re:Like the hydra... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      ...when you cut off the head two will grow back.

      When you cut off your head two will grow back. Money back guaranteed.

      Look lively now. Chop chop.

  16. Ah crap by ronmon · · Score: 2

    Now I'll never get my inheritance. :(

  17. Nope by invictusvoyd · · Score: 1

    HA ha ha . ... ha

  18. One.... just One.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Now for the other 42 million scammers out there...
    Craigslist, EBay, mail-order, Corporations

  19. I would encourage you to visit Nigeria by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Nigeria is a 3rd World country - Yes. But there are 150 Million people there. Some of the most famous multinationals got a lot of capital from this country, most notably Unilever and Shell ...

  20. Interpol press release by bestweasel · · Score: 4, Funny

    Interpol announced today that they have arrested 'Mike', a prolific Nigerian email fraudster. They are keen to hear from victims of this scammer or indeed from victims of any scammer. Please send your name, address and date of birth to fraud@theinterpol.com. Don't forget to tell us the amount you have lost and include your full bank account details so we can process your refund without delay.

  21. I wonder... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I sent one of those "romance scam" emails a copy of 42.zip from an anonymous account once, renamed documents.zip. I wonder if they ever opened it?

  22. The Fresh New Look of Nigerian Opportunity by swell · · Score: 1

    This arrived yesterday, 160731 :

    Hello Dear,

    l am Frank David, a financial consultant and friend to a foreigner who died in Dec 26, 2011 that shared same surname with you. I am contacting you to assist retrieve his huge amount that he reserved in bank prior to his death. Would you be interested to partake in the deal? I will be pleased to advise more on the next step to take upon your willingness to assist.

    Kind regards

    Frank David

    And here is Frank's eddress for those who would like to help him: frank00146@outlook.com - Please, as a kindness, every slashdotter should respond.

    --
    ...omphaloskepsis often...
  23. I am offering to help this poor man... by kaizendojo · · Score: 1

    Dearest Mike - I can imagine that you are frantic and don't know where to turn next. My prayers are with you beloved one and I offer my sacred help. As I am sure you have been stripped of all your funds, I am offering you a cheque in the amount of $20000 USD. I have secured a legal representative for you and he will take a retainer of only $10000 USD so you can cash the cheque, pay the representative and you can keep the balance of the $10000 USD for your troubles. I await your reply. Your humble servant, Jadquest Farhrquar Minister of Irony

  24. $15.4 million! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    In one case, a target was conned into paying out $15.4 million

    A fool and his money are soon parted.

  25. Raise money to compensate his victims... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...by doing a worldwide pay-per-view telecast of him being strangled to death.

  26. Ok... by DiEx-15 · · Score: 1

    Nigeria's anti-fraud agency was also involved in the arrest.

    So, basically: Nigeria's Anti-Fraud Agency got off their ass and made it look like they did something meaningful.

    That's a relief.

    Considering that whole blasted State is rife with corruption, fraud, and violence: The removal of one major kingpin out of countless many will certainly make them look like they are hard at work. Especially since Interpol and who know how many other international LE agencies did all the hard work for them.

  27. Wait.. by Puppet+Master · · Score: 1

    Nigeria has an anti-fraud agency?

    --
    The day Microsoft creates a product that doesn't suck, it will be known as the Microsoft Vaccuum Cleaner!
  28. Mailing list seized! by ebvwfbw · · Score: 1

    Political party gold there. A list of really stupid people to get to contribute to their party. All they have to do is put bullshit like "we'll make you rich if you vote for us". Oh wait, that's the Democratic party.

  29. Wow, so like Ben & Jerry plundered the place? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    For those who don't know: The ice cream boys sold-out to Unilever 16 years ago.

    All the best left-wing "do gooders" sell-out to the massive multi-nationals eventually. A person can buy a lot of the elite life style, and live with a clean conscience buying carbon credits to offset the private jet exhaust, after you sell some of your stocks...