A 39-year-old Nigerian man, Edwin Omokhuale, wanted by authorities in the United Kingdom over an alleged $23 million fraud involving an Australian mining company, has been arrested at Dublin Airport in Ireland.
Omokhuale was detained by officers of An Garda Síochána on Wednesday as he prepared to board a flight to Paris, following a warrant issued by UK authorities. He is wanted by the UK’s National Crime Agency and faces money laundering charges linked to the case.
The alleged fraud dates back to early 2023 and involved approximately $23 million, equivalent to about £17 million, Brandspur Brand News reports.
According to the National Crime Agency, investigators allege that the fraud targeted an Australian mining company. Omokhuale was living in the United Kingdom at the time of the alleged offence.
Authorities believe those behind the scheme deceived employees of the mining company into transferring substantial sums of money to bank accounts under their control.
Omokhuale’s arrest in Ireland opens the way for extradition proceedings that could see him returned to the United Kingdom to face the charges against him.
He was expected to appear before a Dublin court following his arrest as UK authorities seek his extradition.
The case involves cooperation between law enforcement authorities in Ireland and the United Kingdom, with Irish officers executing the UK-issued warrant at Dublin Airport.
The allegations against Omokhuale have not yet been determined by a court, and the legal proceedings surrounding his extradition and the criminal case remain ongoing.
