FBI, INTERPOL, and Ghana Police Arrest Nigerian Businessman Over Alleged $8,000 Citibank Fraud Scheme

FBI, INTERPOL, and Ghana Police Arrest Nigerian Businessman Over Alleged $8,000 Citibank Fraud Scheme

Description: A joint operation involving the FBI, INTERPOL, Ghana Police, and Ghana's Cyber Security Authority has led to the arrest of Nigerian businessman Aderinsola Oluwanifemi Adeleye over alleged Citibank debit card fraud, cybercrime, and financial offences. The investigation remains ongoing.

A joint international cybercrime investigation involving Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), INTERPOL, Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA), and the Ghana Police Service has led to the arrest and prosecution of a Nigerian businessman accused of participating in an alleged international cyber-enabled financial crime network.

Authorities say the suspect, Aderinsola Oluwanifemi Adeleye, had become a person of investigative interest to both the FBI and INTERPOL over alleged cyber-enabled financial crimes involving compromised Citibank debit cards issued in the United States.

The arrest is being described as a major breakthrough in the fight against transnational cybercrime and financial fraud.

How the Investigation Began

According to investigators, the case started on June 25, 2026, after the manager of Haatso Shell Filling Station reported suspicious Point of Sale (POS) transactions.

The complaint originated after Ecobank Ghana PLC received a fraud alert concerning unauthorized transactions carried out using two Citibank Visa debit cards belonging to customers in the United States.

Investigators traced the suspicious transactions to POS terminals at Haatso Shell Filling Station and Osu Total Filling Station in Accra.

Fuel Attendants Allegedly Linked to the Fraud

Following internal investigations by Shell Ghana, two fuel pump attendants were identified as suspects and taken into custody.

During police questioning, investigators allege the attendants identified Aderinsola Oluwanifemi Adeleye and another accomplice as individuals who repeatedly visited the stations to process fraudulent POS transactions using compromised Citibank debit cards through mobile payment devices.

Arrest Made During Another Alleged Transaction

Police say the suspect returned to Haatso Shell Filling Station later that same day to conduct another transaction.

He was allegedly recognized by the fuel attendants and immediately arrested by officers at the scene.

During a search, authorities reportedly recovered:

A loaded Beretta pistol

Two live 9mm rounds

A Citibank Visa debit card allegedly linked to the fraudulent transactions

Weapons, Ammunition, and Electronic Devices Recovered

Investigators later searched the offices of the suspect's construction company, where they reportedly recovered:

15 rounds of live 9mm ammunition

One empty shell casing

Authorities subsequently obtained a court-issued warrant to search his residence in Oyarifa, Accra.

The search led to the seizure of multiple electronic devices, including two mobile phones now undergoing forensic examination as investigators seek to determine the full scope of the alleged cybercrime operation.

Suspect Allegedly Admitted Using the Debit Card

According to investigators, the accused admitted during questioning that he used the recovered Citibank debit card at both filling stations.

He allegedly claimed the card was sent to him by an individual identified as Gail Oneara, who he said resides in the United States.

The suspect reportedly stated that the card contained approximately $10,000, of which he had allegedly spent or withdrawn around $8,000 before his arrest.

These claims remain part of the ongoing investigation and have not been independently verified in court.

Authorities Trace Alleged Proceeds of Crime

Investigators further allege that proceeds from the fraudulent transactions were invested in several valuable assets, including:

A four-bedroom storey building

A cement block manufacturing factory

A black Nissan ZNA pickup truck

Other properties believed to have been acquired with suspected proceeds of crime

Law enforcement agencies are continuing efforts to trace additional assets and identify other suspected members of the alleged international fraud syndicate.

International Investigation Continues

Authorities say forensic analysis of the seized electronic devices is expected to provide further evidence about the alleged criminal network and any international connections.

The suspect has been formally charged and arraigned before a competent court in Ghana.

As legal proceedings continue, investigators emphasize that efforts remain underway to arrest additional suspects, recover illicit assets, and establish the full extent of the alleged financial fraud.

It is important to note that the allegations remain before the court, and the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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