Confirmation of the arrest of a 28-year-old Nigerian national, suspected to be involved in phishing, internet, romance scams, and money laundering, was made by INTERPOL on Monday, July 4.
James Junior Aliyu, the suspect, was apprehended in an upscale estate in Sandton, Johannesburg, during a recent takedown operation, reported by LIB.
A joint effort involving members from the Interpol National Crime Bureau (NCB) in Pretoria and the SAPS Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit led to his arrest at the estate on Wednesday, 29 June 2022, at 10:00.
This arrest comes after a comprehensive investigation that involved law enforcement authorities from South Africa (SA) and the United States of America (USA).
The cybercrime suspect, based in South Africa, allegedly defrauded numerous US citizens of millions of USD through email and text message scams.
The US authorities, where the investigation originated and where most of the victims are located, have requested his extradition.
Following his arrest, the suspect appeared in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on the same day, and the matter has been adjourned to 05 July 2022.
