The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has explained why the arrest of Ismaila Mustapha (Mompha) and Hamza Koudeih, is a great achievement for his organisation.
The money involved in the fraud perpetrated by the duo was very huge.
Mompha was arrested on October 18 while Koudeih, who is a Lebanese was arrested on Tuesday.
The two persons were said to have perpetrated fraud and money laundering to the tune of N33 billion.
The EFCC boss disclosed that among other things, Mompha operated no fewer than 51 bank accounts and laundered about N14 billion through a firm known as Ismalob Global Investments Limited.
Magu who emphasised the commitment of EFCC to the war against corruption spoke about the arrest of the two persons at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
His words: “The recent arrests of a social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, and his Lebanese collaborator, Hamza Koudeih, for their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud and money laundering remains a landmark achievement of the EFCC,” the acting chairman said.
“I make bold to tell you that these arrests have further confirmed our commitment to the anti-graft war, while also sending a red alert to potential internet fraudsters.
“I am sure you will be greatly shocked to know that five wristwatches valued at over N60 million were recovered from the suspected internet fraudster, Mompha, at the point of arrest.
“Investigation has also revealed that he operates 51 bank accounts in Nigeria with which he acquires properties in Dubai and had laundered about N14 billion through a firm known as Ismalob Global Investments Limited.
“His accomplice, Koudeih, also has two firms namely: THK Services Limited and CHK properties Limited with which he has allegedly laundered about N19 billion. Koudeih lives in a $5 million per annum suite at the Eko Atlantic Pearl Tower, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“They will be charged to court accordingly as soon as investigation is concluded.”
Speaking on other achievements of the EFCC, Magu said they had arrested over 300 persons while 207 convictions had been secured.
Some property had also been sealed off.
Auctioning of some properties recovered by the EFCC, Magu said, would soon commence.
