TECHDIGEST – The Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos State of Nigeria Police Force (NPC) has confirmed the arrest of two members of a fraudulent syndicate linked to the hacking of no fewer than 1000 bank accounts in Nigeria. The suspects were nabbed at their hideout in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, following a petition by the United Bank for Africa.

A spokesperson for the command, SP Hauwa Idris-Adamu, in a press statement, confirmed that the suspects, who were part of a much larger syndicate specialising in hacking local banks, using customer’s BVN linked phone numbers and bank alerts for easy transfer of the money.

Idris-Adamu identified the suspects as Yusuf Ademola, 40, and Adesina Abiodun, 50, adding that efforts were on to arrest other accomplices linked to the crime.

“The suspects confessed to the crime that they have many syndicates all over Nigeria and that they use software to hack into customers’ accounts and move their money undetected from any bank they wish. However, the modus operandi of these fraudsters is to have a customer’s BVN linked phone number and bank alert for easy transfer of the money.”

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The investigation and arrest were made after a petition was submitted by United Bank for Africa (UBA) to the Assistant Inspector General of Police. claiming that a hideous group of criminals were defrauding several banks through hacking.

“On May 8, 2023, a petition was submitted by United Bank for Africa to the Assistant Inspector General of Police that there are some syndicates that specialise in internet fraud of various banks in Nigeria, most especially United Bank for Africa, in which they hack into customers’ accounts and move their monies.

Based on the petition, the AIG raised a team of detectives from the Zonal Monitoring Unit, who swung into action with the aid of modern technology, and two suspects, Yusuf Ademola, 40, and Adesina Abiodun, 50, were tracked down at their hideout in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State“, she says.

Idris-Adamu noted that “over 1000 customers’ accounts have been hacked and defrauded across the country,” adding that investigation into the incident revealed that members of the syndicates were drawn from different parts of the country. She said efforts were on top gear to arrest all suspects connected with the crime.

“In the interim, the investigation is still ongoing and suspects will soon be arraigned in court upon completion of the investigation,” Idris-Adamu added.

Technext24

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TECHDIGEST – Following complaints of violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) against Philips Consulting and United Bank for Africa PLC, the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has ordered a forensic investigation in line with Article 4 of the NDPR.

The complaint against Philips Consulting is in connection with the activities of online lending platforms who willfully breach the privacy of citizens whilst the investigation of UBA PLC pertains to allegations of infringement on the governing principles of data protection.

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It will be recalled that the NDPR mandates organizations to carry out due diligence before engaging in any data processing. This is to ensure that parties are accountable for any infringement on fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects.

The Bureau warns all data controllers and processors to eschew all forms of data processing that are detrimental to citizens as well as the economy and security of the country.

The post NDPB Investigates Phillips Consulting, UBA For Alleged Violation Of NDPR appeared first on Tech Digest News.