By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja –
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested four members of a syndicate who specialize in counterfeiting foreign currencies, especially the dollar, for sale to unsuspecting members of the public.
The anti-graft agency also warned Nigerians to be wary of the activities of fraud syndicates masquerading as Bureau de Change operators.
The EFCC spokesman, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, gave the warning in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
Mr. Uwujaren said the arrest of four members of the fraud syndicates was as a result of an operation which was carried out jointly with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He added that the syndicate, including a woman, were arrested at Swiss Pearl Continental Hotel, Koforidua Street, in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, with US$427,400 fake United States Dollars.
“They volunteered useful statements which eventually led to the arrest of the syndicate’s kingpin, one Douglas Mbonu.
“The Commission wishes to warn members of the public to be wary of the activities of fraud syndicates masquerading as Bureau de Change operators.
“Such operators seeking to exploit the desperation of some citizens sourcing for forex for various purposes to defraud them of their hard-earned monies.
“Citizens are advised to source their forex from commercial banks in line with the directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria to minimize the risk of exposure to fraud syndicates,” he said.
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