Zenith Bank aided fraudster, Mompha to launder billions of naira – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed how Ebenezer Onyeagwu’s Zenith Bank Plc aided suspected internet fraudster, Ismailia Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, to launder funds running into billions of naira obtained through unlawful activities and retention of alleged proceeds of crime.

The anti-graft agency made this known on Monday when its Lagos command re-arrested Mompha for the alleged crime.

Mompha, who was arrested on Monday, is currently standing trial alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on an amended 22-count charge bordering on cyber fraud and money laundering to the tune of N32.9 billion brought against him by the EFCC.

The EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed this in a statement, titled, ‘EFCC re-arrests Mompha for alleged money laundering.’

Mompha had earlier been arrested by the Nigeria Immigration Service at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on October 18, 2019, while boarding an Emirates Airline flight to Dubai, following a watchlist by the EFCC.

Mompha is alleged to have used his registered companies to receive illicit funds on behalf of cyber fraudsters from across the world in return for commissions.

The statement said, “The account of one of his companies, Ismalob Global Investment Limited Bank, a Bureau de Change company, domiciled in Zenith Bank, was allegedly used to launder funds derived from unlawful activities.

“Investigation has revealed a fraudulent transfer slip of $92, 412, 75 found in the suspect’s iPhone 8 device. He will soon be charged to court.”