Why Interpol arrested 28-year-old Nigerian in South Africa

Interpol has arrested James Junior Aliyu, a 28-year-old Nigerian, with the assistance of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for allegedly defrauding dozens of United States citizens of money totalling $12 million.

This was disclosed by SAPS via a statement issued on Saturday.

According to the statement which was seen by Nairametrics, Aliyu was arrested in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday in a “takedown operation” carried out by Interpol.

What SAPS is saying

The statement read, “James Junior Aliyu, a 28-year-old Nigerian, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding dozens of US citizens of money totalling $12m.

“Aliyu was arrested in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday in a “takedown operation” carried out by Interpol with assistance from members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“According to a statement issued by the South African police, Aliyu is “believed to be part of a cybercrime ring involved in phishing, internet scams and money laundering.

“Just after 10:00 on Wednesday, 29 June 2022, members from the Interpol National Crime Bureau (NCB) in Pretoria with the assistance from members of the SAPS Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit swooped in on the upmarket estate where they effected the arrest.”

His arrest follows a widespread investigation involving law enforcement authorities from South Africa (SA) and the United States of America (USA)

“The cybercrime suspect who has been conducting his criminal activities from South Africa is accused of swindling dozens of US citizens millions in USD through email and text messages,” the statement added.
The South African police said,

“authorities in the US, where the investigation originated and where most of his alleged victims are based, have applied for his extradition.”

The police added that the suspect was charged to court the same day of his arrest and that the case would be heard on July 5.