A fresh investigation has detailed how a Nigerian crime syndicate, allegedly led by socialite Nzube Ikeji, swindled a Romanian businesswoman out of more than $2.5 million through an elaborate online romance and investment scam.
The findings were published on Monday by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
According to the report, Mr Ikeji allegedly posed as a member of Dubai’s royal family, using the name Sheikh Hamdan Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, while his associate, Martins Abhulimhen, assumed the identity of a financial manager called Matthew Cros.
The scheme reportedly began when Mr Ikeji contacted the victim, identified only as Laura, via LinkedIn. Presenting himself as a wealthy prince interested in humanitarian causes, he sought her advice on credible charities and development projects in Romania. What started as a professional exchange later evolved into a personal relationship and eventually an online romance.
OCCRP noted that this emotional connection paved the way for the fraud, as Mr Ikeji allegedly proposed marriage and convinced the victim to finance what he described as engagement-related expenses.
Laura was later asked to travel to London to meet the supposed financial manager to discuss opening a bank account and accessing funds. British authorities later confirmed that “Matthew Cros” was an alias used by Mr Abhulimhen.
Investigators said the victim was given login details to an online account displaying a balance of about £202 million, which was later discovered to be fake and digitally manipulated. Although she initially paid £7,000 to enable withdrawals, repeated demands for additional fees followed whenever she attempted to access the funds.
Unaware that she was caught in a classic advance-fee fraud, Laura reportedly transferred close to $2.5 million over time, believing the money in the account was real.
The operation eventually collapsed after disagreements broke out among the syndicate members over how to share the proceeds. One of the conspirators later contacted the victim and disclosed details of the scam, a revelation that was reportedly confirmed by Mr Abhulimhen himself.
“He defrauded you of more than three million euros,” the victim was allegedly told.
The OCCRP investigation also claimed that Mr Ikeji and Mr Abhulimhen have been seen in the company of several prominent Nigerians, including senior government officials and business figures. Photographs reportedly show them with top political office holders and influential personalities at public events.
OCCRP traced Mr Ikeji to a residence in Abuja and identified his wife as Confidence Ikeji. When confronted with the findings, Mr Ikeji declined to respond directly, asking that all questions be directed to his legal representatives.
“I would prefer that you consult me in my office or speak with my legal team,” he said.
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