NAFDAC Uncovers Syndicate Defrauding Foreign Firms with Fake Documents

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has exposed a fraudulent syndicate scamming foreign companies using counterfeit NAFDAC documents.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the prime suspect, Ikoro Ifendu, was arrested on February 7, 2025, in Aba, Abia State. Ifendu, a clothing trader with only an SSCE qualification, allegedly impersonated NAFDAC officials to defraud foreign companies of large sums of money.

The syndicate reportedly operated through a complex scheme involving a buyer, a bank, and a lawyer. They lured foreign firms into making payments for fake NAFDAC approvals, using fraudulent bank and legal channels to issue counterfeit certificates and receipts.

NAFDAC’s investigation uncovered 15 domiciliary and five local bank accounts linked to the group, with over $950,000 traced to Nigerian accounts and $450,000 to offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic. Despite ongoing investigations, unsuspecting victims continue to deposit money into these fraudulent accounts.

The syndicate issued forged documents, including fake NAFDAC registration certificates and fraudulent revenue receipts totaling millions of naira. Victims included companies from China, Poland, Italy, and the UAE.

Adeyeye announced that the case would be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act. She assured Nigerians that NAFDAC had strengthened its investigation and enforcement units to prevent similar scams.

Businesses were urged to verify product registrations directly through NAFDAC’s official platform and avoid dealing with unauthorized consultants.