Authorities in Gaya, Niger, arrested three Beninese nationals aged 23, 24, and 27 on 30 October. Police detained the men following allegations that they operated a cyber-scam involving fake customs auctions. Investigators claim the suspects targeted victims by posing as customs officials to solicit fraudulent payments for non-existent vehicle and goods auctions. The three men remain in custody in Niger while officials continue to examine digital evidence recovered during the operation. No further details regarding the suspects' identities have been released by local police at this time.
Scope of the Fraud
Investigators identified more than 37 victims who fell prey to the operation. These individuals were misled by communications impersonating customs officials into believing they were participating in legitimate auctions for seized inventory.
Financial records recovered by authorities indicate that the provisional damage resulting from these activities totals 7 million FCFA. The suspects allegedly processed these illicit payments through various digital platforms, including Nita, Amana, and MTN MoMo. By utilizing these mobile money services, the men sought to obscure the origin of the funds transferred by the victims. Police are currently tracing these transactions to determine the full extent of the financial losses incurred by the targeted individuals. Officials stated that the investigation remains focused on verifying the total number of fraudulent transfers processed through the accounts linked to the three detainees.
Methods Used by Suspects
Suspects employed forged documentation to establish credibility with their targets. Investigators found that the group utilized the state seal, the official cachet, and the signature of the Director General of Customs on all correspondence sent to potential victims. These items were designed to mimic authentic government paperwork, ensuring that communications appeared legitimate to those participating in the purported auctions.
Authorities are currently searching for a fourth suspect believed to be residing in Bénin. Law enforcement officials suspect this individual played a role in the operation from abroad and are working to determine their specific involvement in the scheme. Police have not released the name of this person as the investigation continues across international borders.
Interrogations conducted by the Nigerien Direction de la Police judiciaire (DPJ) led to admissions from the three detainees already in custody. During these formal sessions, the suspects confessed to the charges brought against them regarding the customs auction scam. The DPJ continues to process these statements as part of the ongoing criminal inquiry in Gaya.
