Nigerian National Wanted in the U.S. for Cyber Fraud Arrested in the Philippines

A Nigerian national wanted in the United States for cyber fraud has been arrested in Quezon City, Philippines, according to a statement from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday, October 28, 2024.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado announced that the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU) apprehended 35-year-old Ahmed Kamilu Alex along Panay Avenue in Barangay Paligsahan on October 11.

His arrest came months after he was added to the immigration blacklist as a fugitive from justice.

Viado noted that US authorities allege that Alex conspired with two accomplices to execute a cyber fraud scheme by creating fake websites that mimicked legitimate US government agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The suspects reportedly charged unsuspecting victims, primarily military personnel, between $500 and $48,500, falsely claiming it was for processing emergency leave requests through the fraudulent websites.

The US government has requested Alex’s deportation so he can face trial for his crimes. He is currently in Immigration custody at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City while awaiting deportation proceedings.

“He will remain in our immigration blacklist and banned from re-entering the Philippines after he is deported,” the BI said.