The Nigeria Police Force recorded a breakthrough in the reported cybercrime perpetrated against Patricia Technologies with the arrest of Wilfred Bonseand, three other suspects after a thorough investigation into the case by the National Cybercrime Center of the Nigeria Police (NPF-NCCC).
Patricia Technologies had earlier petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to report the alleged theft following a reported breach of its cryptocurrency trading platform, Patricia in 2022. The incident resulted in loss of funds belonging to depositors and led to the suspension of the platform by Patricia Technologies to curtail further compromise of depositors’ funds.
According to the Nigeria Police PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, during a briefing in Abuja on Friday, the ensuing investigation revealed a far-reaching criminal conspiracy involving the unauthorized modification of computer systems, network data, and the unlawful diversion of funds totaling over N607 million belonging to the petitioner.
Wilfred Bonse, the key player in the complex cybercrime, arrested with three of his co-conspirators, is a prominent politician and former gubernatorial aspirant in Cross River State in the 2023 general elections.
He was found to have masterminded the alleged theft by conspiring with others, through the conversion of cryptocurrency wallets and diversion of the unauthorized N607 million from Patricia Technologies’ Flutterwave account to his bank account.
According to Hanu Fejiro, CEO of Patricia Technologies, the conclusion of the Police investigation and eventual arrest of one of the perpetrators is a huge respite to the firm, as well as all its stakeholders.
“This is a big relief. We have finally been vindicated as not a few disbelieved us that our platform was hacked in the first place. But thanks to the diligence of the Nigerian Police and the unwavering commitment of my colleagues, we are delighted that our customers now have more reason to continue to trust us. The dark days are over.”
“With this development, Nigerians can now see that we have always been a truthful, fair, and responsible organization with the best interest of our customers at heart.
“We are happy that those who believed us have been vindicated and those who doubted us have a compelling reason to renew their trust in Patricia Technologies.
“With our platform relaunched with stronger security and our commitment to Nigerians renewed, we look forward to the new era with great optimism” Fejiroconcluded.
It would be recalled that Patricia Technologies, on Monday November 20, started the first phase of repaying depositors that lost money to the breach, and have relaunched its platform for operations.
While the other co-conspirators remain at large, the Nigeria Police Force assures the public that comprehensive efforts are underway to ensure all involved in this criminal conspiracy are brought to justice.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
“We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave,” the minister said.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, has raised the…
The device was admitted as evidence alongside a certificate of compliance, despite objections from the…
Bose Ironsi made this assertion in her address at the Community Legal Clinic on sexual…
The National Caretaker Committee (NCC) of the Labour Party (LP) has given the National Chairman…
The union, which was founded in 1925, represents the collective identity of the Oro ethnic…
This website uses cookies.