Nigerian National Charged in South African Fraud Case

South Africa Uncovers Major Fraud Scheme by Nigerian Man

South African authorities have arrested Nwachimere Collins Ofoegbu, a 55-year-old Nigerian national, in connection with a sophisticated fraud scheme that defrauded victims worldwide of millions of dollars. The arrest took place in Sandton on February 10, 2025, following an extensive investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Unit.

Ofoegbu is accused of orchestrating a complex network of fraudulent activities, including business email compromise (BEC) scams and romance frauds, targeting individuals and businesses across various countries. The investigation revealed that he allegedly used multiple aliases and fake companies to deceive victims into transferring substantial sums of money into accounts he controlled.

Authorities have seized electronic devices, financial records, and other evidence from Ofoegbu’s residence, which are expected to provide further insights into the extent of the fraud and potentially identify additional accomplices. He is currently facing charges related to fraud, money laundering, and identity theft.