The Delta State Police Command has arrested a man alleged to be behind a cross-border hacking scheme that targeted an American bank account and nearly resulted in the fraudulent purchase of a luxury vehicle.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the details in a video briefing shared on Friday.
According to Edafe, the suspect began by breaching a victim’s Gmail account, which allowed him to gain access to sensitive financial information linked to a Florida-based bank. Within moments of infiltrating the account, he reportedly discovered a balance of $21,000 and decided to exploit it.
The suspect then approached a local car dealership, expressing interest in buying a Lexus RX 350. Claiming to be making a legitimate international transfer, he requested the dealer’s dollar account information to initiate payment for the vehicle.
However, the dealer became suspicious after reviewing the documents and transaction attempts—including an attempted $20,000 transfer—and immediately alerted authorities.
This intervention ultimately stopped the fraudulent purchase.
SP Edafe, who displayed evidence of the attempted transactions, used the opportunity to warn the public about rising cybercrime risks. He urged individuals to strengthen their digital security, use stronger passwords, and remain cautious with email and online financial activities.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be released as the case develops.
