Alleged bitcoin hacker in EFCC custody for Internet fraud

One Victor Umeakuka has been arrested for allegedly hacking into
bitcoin wallets and stealing coins, which he illegally resells.

Posing as Toby Campbell on WhatsApp, the 26-year-old was said to
have used the proceeds of his crime to buy several cars, including
a Mercedes Benz C300 for N6.5m.

The suspect, who was arrested by operatives of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja, reportedly confessed to have
hacked into the bitcoin wallets while posing as a coin miner.

The graduate of Physics and Astronomy was arrested at House 9,
Mobile Michael Crescent, Gwarimpa, Abuja, following an intelligence
report that the building was a nest of fraudsters and Internet
scammers.

The acting EFCC spokesman, Tony Orilade, who confirmed the
arrest, said a search warrant was executed at the residence,
leading to the recovery of laptops of different makes, phones,
modems, SIM cards and other items.

He stated, “In the course of the investigation, preliminary
findings revealed that the suspect is into the bitcoin business and
uses his bitcoin account to buy and sell stolen bitcoins. He
confessed that he hacks into other people’s bitcoin wallets,
transfers the contents, which he then sells to unsuspecting members
of the public.

“He uses the name, Tony Campbell to pose as a bitcoin
miner.”

In a related development, the commission has also apprehended
one Chidiebere Chiama for Internet fraud and hacking into bitcoin
wallets.

The suspect reportedly told investigators that he used
Blockchain to receive stolen bitcoins, which he converted to cash
for as much as $1,000.

“The suspect claimed he has not benefited much from the
business” the commission stated.

The two suspects were said to have entered into a plea bargain
with the EFCC.