A 30-year-old Nigerian man, Mathew Emeka, has been apprehended in Delhi for allegedly defrauding an Indian woman of ₹4.45 lakh (approximately N8 million). The Wayanad police in Kerala arrested him on Sunday, December 15, 2024, following an extensive investigation.
According to the police, Emeka tricked the victim, a resident of Nenmeni, into believing he had sent her a package containing US dollars as a gift. He then demanded multiple payments, claiming the money was required to release the package from customs at Delhi Airport.
The scam took place over several months, with the woman making payments during October, November, and December 2023. After growing suspicious of the repeated demands, she realized she had been scammed and filed a complaint with the police.
Investigators traced the accused by analyzing financial transaction records linked to the fraud. They located Emeka in Delhi and secured his arrest. He was presented before the Dwarka Court, which granted a transit remand. The police later brought him to the Ambalavayal police station in Kerala for further questioning.
Law enforcement officials highlighted the growing threat of online fraud, particularly scams involving claims of expensive gifts or packages from overseas. They advised the public to remain vigilant and verify the legitimacy of such claims before making any payments.
This case underscores the importance of cybersecurity awareness and caution when dealing with unknown individuals online. The investigation is ongoing to determine if the suspect operated alone or was part of a larger network involved in similar fraudulent activities. The authorities are working to recover the victim’s money and bring justice to others who may have been affected by related schemes.