Global anti-crime watchdog Interpol says it is prosecuting a notorious Nigerian online scammer who leads a syndicate that specializes in duping individuals and corporate organisations around the world. The alleged Nigerian ringleader of an online fraud network will face charges of hacking, conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences, Interpol has said.  The 40-year-old and a 38-year-old who was arrested with him on similar charges are out on administrative bail in Nigeria as investigations continue, Interpol added.

The alleged ringleader was suspected to be behind scams totaling more than $60m (£45m) involving hundreds of victims worldwide, Interpol said.

The global police body added:  The alleged network compromised email accounts of small to medium businesses around the world, including in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, Romania, South Africa, Thailand and the US, with the financial victims mainly other companies dealing with these compromised accounts.”

The 40-year-old Nigerian national, known as ‘Mike’, is believed to be behind scams totalling more than USD 60 million involving hundreds of victims worldwide.