Two Nigerians have been identified by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) as the masterminds behind an attempt to defraud the National Water Commission (NWC) of over $1 million.
The men, residents of Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Nigeria, were apprehended following a collaborative investigation between MOCA, US federal law enforcement, and Nigerian authorities.
Major Basil Jarrett, director of communications at MOCA, revealed that the agency was alerted by the NWC in August 2023 about a business email compromise that had illicitly rerouted funds to the criminals.
“In response, MOCA, in collaboration with its US federal law enforcement partners, launched an intensive, international cyber investigation into the attack, resulting in the monies being frozen and ultimately, the majority of it being returned,” Jarrett stated in a recent release.
“This outcome not only highlights the resilience and preparedness of our cybersecurity defenses but also underscores the critical importance of international cooperation in addressing cyber threats.”
MOCA’s investigation into the cyber-attack led to the identification of an international cyber threat actor in Nigeria. This prompted further cooperation, culminating in a search warrant executed by Nigerian authorities, who eventually located and detained the two individuals in Lagos.
“These arrests are a clear indicator of the strength of our cyber investigation capabilities and the importance of our ongoing collaborations across borders,” Jarrett noted. “But they are also a reminder that cyber-attacks are a constant threat in this digital age, with millions of attempts being carried out annually. It is critical, therefore, that we remain vigilant by having robust cybersecurity systems in place.”
MOCA also commended the NWC for its prompt detection and notification, which not only informed the agency of the attack but also enabled timely intervention.
The investigation is ongoing, as authorities suspect more individuals may be involved in the sophisticated cyber fraud scheme, according to the release.
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