"The victim was further tricked into offering her money to help the online lover to overcome business-related challenges, with the hope that the money was going to be paid back,” he said, adding that she was promised that the cash would be paid back with interest.
Nkwalase said although they had never physically met, the woman believed that the person, whom she also spoke to over the phone, was “the love of her life” and had no issues loaning him the money. She sent the money to several bank accounts, as well as through money markets.
“Once the money stopped coming, the communication stopped,” he said.
When the woman realised what had happened, she opened a case with the police, who began to investigate.
“We followed the money,” said Nkwalase. This led to the arrest of the three, who now face charges of fraud.
Nkwalase said it was possible that other people benefited from the scheme. “More arrests could be expected,” he said.
None of the money has been recovered.