A Hong Kong-based dentist has allegedly been defrauded of $2.5 million by a Nigerian man who posed as an American businessman and promised her marriage.
The suspect, identified simply as Kingsley O., was arrested in Turkey after a two-year investigation. Turkish police apprehended him alongside four accomplices in Esenyurt, a district of Istanbul Province, according to Turkish news outlet Haberler on Friday.
Investigators said Kingsley, who lived in Turkey, met the victim, identified as Siu P.Y.F., online in 2020 while posing as “Richard,” an American businessman. He allegedly convinced her they were in a long-distance relationship and would eventually marry.
During their communication, Kingsley claimed he was running a major investment project in Istanbul and needed financial help. Believing the marriage promise, the dentist transferred $2.5 million in instalments to several Turkish bank accounts between 2020 and 2022.
After receiving the funds, Kingsley allegedly cut off all contact. The victim reported the case to Hong Kong authorities, but initial investigations yielded no results. She later hired a Turkish lawyer and filed a complaint with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Operatives from the Istanbul Police Department’s Fraud Bureau traced the bank accounts and arrested five account holders. Four denied knowledge of the transactions. The fifth told investigators he gave money received in his account to a Nigerian man he knew as Richard.
That confession led police to Kingsley, identified as the alleged mastermind. He was arrested and taken into custody for questioning but denied the allegations during interrogation.
Kingsley and five other suspects were later arraigned in court under tight security following the conclusion of police investigations.
Authorities allege that Kingsley used a false identity to deceive the victim into transferring the funds under the guise of a romantic relationship and planned marriage.