EFCC arrests Nigerian-American over alleged $320,000 Mercedes-Benz import scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a Nigerian-American, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, over an alleged cross-border vehicle import fraud involving more than $320,000, equivalent to about N434.88 million.

The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement published on its X account on Friday, June 19.

According to the commission, Adams, who holds both Nigerian and United States citizenship, is being investigated over allegations bordering on obtaining money under false pretences and breach of trust.

The EFCC said preliminary findings suggest that the suspect is linked to a United States-based network allegedly involved in deceiving Nigerians with promises to source and ship vehicles from America.

The commission further disclosed that two individuals allegedly paid a combined sum of $320,000 for the purchase of a luxury vehicle that was never delivered as promised.

Investigators said Adams allegedly marketed a 2024 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG to potential buyers in Nigeria while residing in the United States, using photographs of the luxury vehicle and assuring prospective customers that he could procure and ship it to the country.

The anti-graft agency also said its investigation uncovered information suggesting that the suspect had previously come under the radar of law enforcement authorities in the United States over alleged vehicle-related offences.

According to the EFCC, Adams was eventually apprehended by operatives of its Ilorin Zonal Directorate after returning to Nigeria.

The commission added that the suspect would be charged to court once investigations into the matter are concluded.

The arrest is the latest in a series of high-profile fraud investigations and enforcement actions undertaken by the EFCC in recent months.

Similarly, in March, the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the commission arrested a company representative, M. Kolawole, over an alleged fraud amounting to N993.2 million.