A 28-year-old suspected internet fraudster, Patrick Akpoguma, has been linked to a string of cybercrimes, including romance scams, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, and cultism. When confronted by police, he allegedly offered a $100,000 bribe to cover up his tracks, but it was rejected.
Naijawebinfo reports that the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, Adegoke Fayoade, made this revelation during a press conference.
Fayoade explained that the investigation into Akpoguma’s activities began on November 7, 2024, after receiving reports from residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where the suspect resides. The suspect eventually confessed to the crimes, claiming the bribe was an attempt to clear his name.
Akpoguma admitted to using fake online profiles to deceive his victims, posing as a high-ranking U.S. Army officer and a renowned cryptocurrency expert. He would then convince his unsuspecting victims to lend him money for various projects, which he would receive via Bitcoin transactions. So far, he has defrauded over seven victims using this method.
To further his scheme, Akpoguma created a fake Instagram account and purchased a silicone mask to impersonate the cryptocurrency expert. He even used the mask to create a fake Facebook profile, further convincing his victims of his authenticity.
During the investigation, Akpoguma became desperate and offered the police a $100,000 bribe to drop the charges. However, the police played along and accepted the bribe as evidence, continuing the investigation. The suspect will now be arraigned accordingly.
In a shocking admission, Akpoguma revealed that he turned to fraud three years ago because he felt too intelligent to work for a salary. He claimed to have made over $500,000 from his fraudulent activities, using the money to buy a house in Lagos, a house in Edo State, and a luxury car worth N100 million.
Akpoguma justified his actions, stating that he only defrauds people once and then disappears, leaving them with enough to recover from the losses. However, his plan was ultimately foiled by the police, and he will now face the consequences of his actions.
