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Nigerian man arrested in Turkey over alleged $2.5 million romance scam
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
A Nigerian man, Kingsley O., has been arrested in Turkey in connection with an alleged $2.5 million romance scam targeting a Hong Kong-based dentist. According to Turkish news outlet Haberler, Kingsley and four accomplices were apprehended in Esenyurt, Istanbul Province, following a two-year investigation into an online fraud scheme. The report states that Kingsley, allegedly posing as an American businessman named Richard, met the victim, Siu P.Y.F., online in 2020 and promised marriage. Investigators claim the suspect convinced the woman he needed financial assistance for an investment project in Istanbul. Between 2020 and 2022, the dentist reportedly transferred $2.5 million in installments to several Turkish bank accounts. After receiving the funds, the suspect allegedly ceased communication. The victim reported the incident to Hong Kong authorities, and later engaged a Turkish lawyer, filing a complaint with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor鈥檚 Office. The Istanbul Police Department鈥檚 Fraud Bureau traced the bank accounts, leading to the arrest of five account holders. One suspect reportedly told investigators he gave money received in his account to a Nigerian man known as Richard, which led to Kingsley's arrest as the alleged mastermind. Kingsley denied the allegations during interrogation. He and five other suspects were arraigned in court after police investigations concluded. Authorities allege the suspect used a false identity to defraud the victim under the pret
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