14 DAY TRIAL // In case you’re wondering why we keep publishing advisories about Nigerian scams, it’s because such cybercriminal schemes are still highly successful. Earlier this week, a couple of Nigerians were arrested for running a 419 scam.
According to Naija Gists, the suspects tricked several foreigners into wiring them money via Western Union after falsely promising them that they can easily make millions. One of the victims, an American, is said to have wired the crooks 40 million NGN (252,000 USD / 185,000 EUR).
Other victims that have been identified have lost 6,000 USD (4,400 EUR), 5,500 USD (4,000 EUR) and 15,000 USD (11,000 EUR). The crooks tricked people into sending them money by claiming they’ve inherited a large amount of money which they want to move to a foreign account.
Victims were promised large amounts of money in return for their cooperation.
The suspects pleaded not guilty. Their defenders asked that they be released on bail, but a judge has decided to keep them in lockup until December 3 when the trial resumes.