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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.

4 of 65 comments (clear)

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

    He's the scammer formerly known as Prince.

  3. 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.