The Rivers State police command has arrested members of a syndicate operating a fraudulent business platform that swindled victims out of thousands of Naira under the guise of offering jobs in the oil and gas sector.
According to the police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, operatives received a tip-off about a potential hostage situation and arrested a suspect, Chukwudi Okoli, who posed as a staff member of the fake company, Qjoseansel International Global Limited. Fifteen victims were rescued during the operation.
The victims had paid significant sums of money to the fraudulent company, believing they would be employed in the oil and gas sector and receive payment in US dollars. The scammers targeted victims through random phone calls, enticing them with job opportunities and inviting them to Port Harcourt for fake interviews.
Once in Port Harcourt, the victims were extorted for more money and held captive in a monitored facility. They were then subjected to training to learn how to convince potential victims about the fraudulent job opportunities.
The suspects operated a sophisticated online platform that generated usernames and passwords for registrants. Victims were instructed to isolate themselves from others and pay a registration fee of USD 25.
The police recovered various items from the suspect’s operational office, including phones, laptops, television sets, generators, industrial fans, and office furniture. The suspect and exhibits are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
