Nigerian National Arrested in Faridabad for Multi-Crore Matrimonial Fraud Scam
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, a 38-year-old Nigerian national has been apprehended in Faridabad for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated matrimonial fraud scheme that cheated multiple women of crores of rupees. The accused, identified as Samuel Ogun, also known by the alias Stepney Derrick, was arrested following investigations into cases registered at the Noida cybercrime police station.
Modus Operandi of the Scam
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cybercrime) Shavya Goyal, Ogun created fake profiles on matrimonial websites and social media platforms, presenting himself as a wealthy international businessman based abroad. He used attractive photographs and fabricated personal details to build trust with women seeking marriage.
The scam unfolded in several stages:
- Ogun would initiate contact with potential victims, gradually drawing them into emotional relationships and making promises of marriage.
- He would send fake flight tickets and parcel receipts, claiming he was traveling to India to meet and marry them.
- Subsequently, he would allege that his luggage or parcels had been detained by customs and required urgent payment for clearance.
- Convinced by this narrative, victims transferred large sums of money into multiple bank accounts provided by the accused.
Losses in these cases reportedly ran into lakhs and crores, with one woman cheated of nearly Rs 56 lakh and another losing around Rs 1.3 crore.
Additional Fraudulent Activities
Beyond the matrimonial scams, police suspect Ogun was also involved in cheating people by offering fake loan services. He allegedly promised quick approvals at low interest rates, further expanding his fraudulent operations.
Wide-Ranging Investigations and Seizures
Cases linked to the accused have surfaced not only in Uttar Pradesh but also in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, indicating a potentially pan-India network. Police suspect several similar frauds may have been carried out across different states.
During a raid on his Faridabad residence, authorities recovered substantial evidence including:
- Five mobile phones
- A laptop and tablet
- A Wi-Fi router and dongle
- Several SIM cards
- Foreign currency
- Multiple passports bearing different identities
- Forged documents
Sophisticated Evasion Techniques
Investigators revealed that Ogun used multiple fake identities and passports of different nationalities to evade detection. When one identity became compromised, he allegedly traveled abroad to obtain another before returning to India to continue his fraudulent activities.
Digital evidence indicates he maintained simultaneous contact with 15 to 16 women under different aliases, demonstrating the scale and organization of his operations. All seized devices have been sent for forensic examination to uncover further leads and potential accomplices.
Broader Implications
This arrest highlights the growing sophistication of online matrimonial frauds targeting vulnerable individuals seeking companionship. The case underscores the importance of vigilance when engaging with strangers on digital platforms and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures on matrimonial websites.
Police are continuing their investigations to determine the full extent of the scam network and identify all victims who may have fallen prey to similar schemes across the country.
