The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a massive visa scam syndicate and arrested four individuals allegedly involved in defrauding over 100 victims of N500 million under the pretense of securing foreign work visas.
The spokesperson for the command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, revealing that operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) made the arrests following an initial report lodged at the Ago Okota Police Division.
“The suspects, aged between 23 and 36, were all employees of an educational consultancy operating out of the Ago Okota area,” Hundeyin said.
“They were apprehended for allegedly collecting over N500 million from unsuspecting clients on the false promise of securing Canadian and Australian work visas.”
The case was subsequently transferred to SCID for deeper investigation, which led to the unraveling of the fraudulent operations and discovery of additional accomplices still at large.
According to the police, the consultancy firm was used as a front for the syndicate, deceiving clients with falsified visa documentation and fake job offers abroad.
“Efforts are currently underway to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover funds where possible,” Hundeyin added.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has urged residents to remain vigilant and to verify the legitimacy of any travel or recruitment agency before engaging in financial transactions.
He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting residents from fraudulent schemes and bringing perpetrators to justice.
“This arrest underscores the importance of thorough background checks on service providers. We are determined to safeguard Lagosians from fraudsters and criminal elements.”
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