Nigerian criminal pulls off $1m in internet scams while in prison for fraud

Hope Olusegun Aroke pulled off internet scams amounting to more than $1m while serving time for fraud.

A source close to the Kremlin said the US has previously provided Moscow with a list of nine Americans jailed in Russia who Washington wants returned. Stock photo.
A source close to the Kremlin said the US has previously provided Moscow with a list of nine Americans jailed in Russia who Washington wants returned. Stock photo. (123RF/Stockstudio44)

Hope Olusegun Aroke pulled off internet scams amounting to more than $1m (around R14.78m) while serving time for fraud.

According to the BBC, while serving a 24-year jail sentence in a Nigerian prison, Aroke had access to a cellphone and the internet.

Aroke got admitted to a police hospital, moved to a hotel, received guests and attended parties.

He used a fictitious name to open two bank accounts, and bought a luxury car and homes during his prison term.

The head of the prison and a prison doctor have been arrested.