Nigerian Man Arrested in Turkey Over $2.5m Romance Scam Targeting Hong Kong Dentist

MOUTHPIECE NGR reports that a Nigerian man, Kingsley O., has been arrested in Turkey for allegedly defrauding a Hong Kong-based dentist of $2.5 million in a two-year romance scam.

Turkish outlet _Haberler_ reported Friday that Kingsley and four accomplices were arrested in Esenyurt, Istanbul, after an investigation into the online fraud scheme.

According to police, Kingsley posed as an American businessman named “Richard” and met the victim, Siu P.Y.F., online in 2020. He allegedly promised to marry her.

Investigators said the suspect maintained a long-distance relationship with the dentist through phone calls and convinced her he was running a major investment project in Istanbul that needed funding.

Believing they would marry, the victim transferred $2.5 million in instalments to several Turkish bank accounts between 2020 and 2022.

After receiving the money, Kingsley allegedly cut off contact. The victim reported the case to Hong Kong police, but initial investigations yielded no results. She later hired a Turkish lawyer and filed a complaint with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Istanbul Police Fraud Bureau traced the accounts and arrested five account holders. Four denied knowledge of the transactions, while one said he handed the money to “Richard”, a Nigerian man known to him.

The confession led police to Kingsley, identified as the alleged mastermind. He was arrested and detained for questioning. Kingsley denied the allegations during interrogation.

He and five other suspects were later arraigned in court under tight security after police concluded investigations.

Authorities allege Kingsley used a false identity and a fake romantic relationship to trick the victim into parting with the funds under the pretext of marriage.