Cape Town -- Iinterpol South Africa has arrested a 28-year-old Nigerian national who is believed to be part of a cybercrime ring involved in phishing, internet scams and money laundering.
Police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, said James Junior Aliyu was arrested at an upmarket estate in Sandton, Johannesburg following a take-down operation.
"Just after 10am on Wednesday June 29, 2022, members from the Interpol National Crime Bureau in Pretoria with the assistance from members of the SAPS Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit swooped in on the upmarket estate where they effected the arrest.
"His arrest follows a widespread investigation involving law enforcement authorities from South Africa and the US.
"The cybercrime suspect who has been conducting his criminal activities from South Africa is accused of swindling dozens of US citizens millions in US dollars through email and text messages.
"Authorities in the USA, where the investigation originated and where most of his alleged victims are based, have applied for his extradition," said Mathe.
The suspect has already appeared before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court. The matter has been remanded to July 5.
Cape Times