EFCC Probes Suspected Visa Fraudster Over N19.9m Scam

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu Zonal Directorate, have launched an investigation into a suspected serial fraudster accused of defrauding victims under the guise of facilitating visa processing.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, noting that the suspect is being interrogated over an alleged N19.9 million visa scam involving three victims.

Oyewale identified the petitioners as Osmond Ugwu, Ugwu Chidubem, and Amadiani Chinedu, all of whom accused the suspect of obtaining money from them through false promises of securing travel documents.

According to the statement, Ugwu alleged that he met the suspect in 2018 while planning to travel abroad. The suspect reportedly posed as a visa agent and offered him a Red Cross-sponsored visa to the United States for N1.8 million, excluding flight costs. Ugwu, however, said he eventually paid a total of N11.8 million for the arrangement and related expenses.

The second petitioner, Chidubem, claimed the suspect, in collaboration with an accomplice, defrauded him of N5.9 million with promises of securing genuine documents to advance his football career overseas.

Similarly, Chinedu alleged that he paid N2.2 million to the suspect for a work permit and visa to migrate to Australia.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the 44-year-old suspect, an electrical engineer, allegedly posed as a visa processing agent despite not being licensed to operate as one.

Oyewale added that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.