US requests extradition after arrest of suspected swindler in Joburg
The United States of America has requested that a Nigerian national accused of cybercrime be extradited following his arrest in Johannesburg.
James Aliyu allegedly defrauded dozens out of R192 million.
Interpol South Africa arrested the 28-year-old Nigerian national in Johannesburg on Wednesday .
He is allegedly part of a cybercrime ring involved in phishing, internet scams and money laundering.
The suspect was nabbed in a take-down operation by the country’s law enforcement agencies and American police at his home in an estate in Sandton.
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Aliyu is accused of swindling dozens of US citizens, including South Africans, out of millions through email and text messages.
“Authorities in the USA, where the investigation originated and where most of his alleged victims are based, have applied for his extradition,” says national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe.
Aliyu is expected to return to the Randburg Magistrate's Court on 5 July.