Rivers Police Arrests Five for Running a Fake Oil and Gas Job Scam

Uncovering the Fraud

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five members of a syndicate involved in a fraudulent business platform that preyed on victims with false promises of lucrative jobs in the oil and gas sector. This operation has exposed a complex scam targeting unsuspecting job seekers, defrauding them of large sums of money.

The Arrest: A Hostage Situation Turns into a Breakthrough

On August 29, 2024, the Rivers State Police, acting on a tipoff, uncovered what they initially believed to be a hostage situation at a compound in Igwuruta. The police, led by the Octopus strike force unit, arrested a suspect, Chukwudi Okoli, who was posing as a staff member of a fake company, Qjoseansel International Global Limited. During the operation, the police rescued 16 victims, including 13 men and two women, who had been lured into the scam with promises of employment in the oil and gas sector.

How the Scam Worked: Targeting Job Seekers

The fraudsters behind the operation ran a highly organized scheme. They randomly selected phone numbers and contacted unsuspecting individuals, offering them fake job opportunities in the oil and gas industry. Victims were invited to Port Harcourt for bogus interviews, where they were told they would receive salaries in US Dollars. The victims, desperate for employment, paid between NGN 650,000 and NGN 850,000 each for these fake opportunities.

Trapping the Victims: A System of Control

Once the victims arrived in Port Harcourt, they were not only swindled but also held captive and closely monitored in a facility. They were subjected to a “training” process designed to turn them into recruiters for the syndicate, convincing new victims of the fake job offers. New recruits were required to pay USD 25 for registration, and the entire process was managed through a sophisticated online platform that generated usernames and passwords for each victim.

The Scam’s Tools: High-Tech Setup

During the raid, the police recovered various items used to run the scam, including phones, laptops, televisions, generators, industrial fans, and office furniture. The sophisticated nature of the operation indicated a well-organized criminal enterprise that had likely scammed many individuals before it was uncovered.

Police Action and Investigation

The spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the arrested suspects and the recovered exhibits are currently in police custody. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to apprehend other members of the syndicate. The police have also intensified efforts to prevent further fraudulent activities and to bring justice to the victims.

Impact on Victims: Financial and Emotional Toll

The scam has caused significant financial hardship for the victims, many of whom spent their life savings or borrowed money to secure the fake jobs. Beyond the financial losses, the victims also suffered emotional distress, having been deceived and manipulated by the fraudsters.

The Fight Against Fraud Continues

This case highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for job seekers to be cautious when approached with unsolicited job offers, especially those that require upfront payments. The Rivers State Police Command continues its efforts to dismantle fraudulent operations and bring criminals to justice, protecting citizens from further exploitation.

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