Why internet fraudster’ on FBI watchlist surrenders self to EFCC

A suspected internet fraudster on the watchlist of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Felix Okpoh, has surrendered to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

OnyxNews Nigeria learnt that Okpoh, who was declared wanted by the EFCC for his reported involvement in a $6 million internet fraud, allegedly turned himself in on Friday, September 18.

Felix Okpoh

Okpoh was said to have reported to the Lagos zonal office of the EFCC in company of his parents.

A statement by Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman of EFCC, confirmed the report, saying the commission has started an investigation into the issue.

The EFCC said in 2019, Okpoh with Richard Uzuh, Alex Ogunshakin, Abiola Kayode and Nnamdi Benson, were declared wanted by the FBI for their alleged involvement in a business email compromise scheme that defrauded over 70 businesses of $6,000,000 in the United States.

The suspect reportedly provided over 40 bank accounts to his conspirators, which were used to receive fraudulent wire transfers from their victims of $1,000,000 in total.

“He was, on August 21, 2019, indicted in the United States District Court, District of Nebraska, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud,” the statement read.

“However, Okpoh, on Friday, September 18, 2020, turned himself in at the Lagos Zonal Office of the Commission in company with his parents, Col. Garuba Okpoh (rtd) and Chief (Mrs.) Justina Okpoh. “Okpoh, during interrogation, said he made the move to surrender himself to the Commission out of respect he had for his parents and his resolve to be morally upright.”