Nigerian Man Arrested in India with ₹10 Crore Meth Haul, Allegedly Linked to International Romance Scam Syndicate

Nigerian Man Arrested in India with ₹10 Crore Meth Haul, Allegedly Linked to International Romance Scam Syndicate

Description: A Nigerian national has been arrested in India after authorities seized 5.085 kg of methamphetamine worth over ₹10 crore. Police also allege he was part of an international romance scam syndicate that defrauded Indian victims.

New Delhi, India – A 27-year-old Nigerian national has been arrested in India after authorities allegedly uncovered more than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine worth over ₹10 crore and linked him to an international online romance scam network that reportedly targeted Indian citizens.

The suspect, identified as Obase Prosper, was arrested during a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Delhi Zonal Unit.

According to investigators, Prosper originally entered India on a medical visa but allegedly remained in the country illegally after his visa expired in 2023.

Police Allege Links to International Romance Fraud

UP STF officials claim Prosper was a key member of a Nigerian syndicate that created fake profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, posing as citizens of the United Kingdom and the United States.

Authorities allege the group built online relationships with victims before claiming they were sending expensive gifts, foreign currency, jewelry, or valuable parcels to India.

Victims were then allegedly persuaded to pay repeated charges, including customs duties, GST, courier fees, and clearance costs, with the promise that the parcels would be released once the payments were made.

Victim Allegedly Lost Nearly ₹68 Lakh

The investigation began after a resident of Daliganj, Lucknow, filed a complaint stating that he had been contacted on Facebook by a woman identifying herself as "Doris William" from England.

According to the STF, the victim allegedly transferred nearly ₹68 lakh after receiving repeated payment demands. Investigators also claim the syndicate used a forged Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) certificate to make the scheme appear authentic.

The complaint led to the registration of a case at Madiaon Police Station in Lucknow and triggered a wider investigation into the alleged fraud network.

Earlier Arrest Led Investigators to Prosper

Officials said another Nigerian national, Uchenwa, was arrested in connection with the same investigation in May 2026, while Prosper allegedly remained at large.

During efforts to track him down in Delhi, investigators reportedly received intelligence indicating that Prosper was also involved in illegal narcotics trafficking.

Working with the Narcotics Control Bureau, officers conducted a coordinated raid that resulted in the seizure of:

- 5.085 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at more than ₹10 crore

- Five mobile phones

- Two passports

The seized electronic devices are expected to undergo forensic examination as investigators continue to trace the alleged network's operations.

Investigation Continues

Authorities say they are examining financial records, digital communications, and international connections to determine whether additional suspects were involved.

The case highlights the growing threat of online romance scams, where criminals allegedly exploit trust and emotions to defraud victims of large sums of money while operating across borders.

Law enforcement agencies continue to urge the public to verify online identities, avoid sending money to people they have never met in person, and report suspicious online activity immediately.

Final Thoughts

As investigations continue, the allegations against the accused will be examined through India's legal process. The case serves as a reminder of the increasing sophistication of cyber-enabled financial fraud and the importance of remaining vigilant when interacting with strangers online.

What are your thoughts on the rise of international romance scams and cybercrime? Share your opinion in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article to help raise awareness and protect others from online fraud.