Nigerian arrested in Turkey for alleged $2.5m online romance scam
A Nigerian man named Kingsley O. has been arrested in Turkey for allegedly defrauding a Hong Kong-based dentist of $2.5 million through a romance scam. Authorities say Kingsley O. posed as an American businessman named Richard and promised marriage to the victim, Siu P.Y.F. The scam reportedly lasted for two years, with the victim sending money in instalments to several Turkish bank accounts. Police investigations led to the arrest of Kingsley O. and several accomplices in Istanbul.
What happened
- Kingsley O. allegedly met Siu P.Y.F. online in 2020, promising marriage and claiming to need funds for an investment project in Istanbul.
- The victim transferred a total of $2.5 million in instalments to various bank accounts in Turkey between 2020 and 2022.
- After receiving the funds, the suspect reportedly cut off communication, prompting Siu P.Y.F. to report the matter to authorities in Hong Kong and Turkey.
- Turkish police traced the bank accounts, arrested five account holders, and identified Kingsley O. as the alleged mastermind.
- Kingsley O. and five others were arraigned in court, with authorities alleging the use of a false identity to carry out the scam.
