The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a fraudulent operation that allegedly scammed multiple international companies using counterfeit regulatory documents.
In a statement issued on March 14, NAFDAC announced the arrest of Mr. Ikoro Mang Ifendu, who was accused of impersonating agency officials to deceive foreign businesses. Ifendu, a resident of Aba, Abia State, was apprehended on February 7 following a complaint from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group, an Abu Dhabi-based company. The firm had sought to register dried seafood products but was tricked into making large payments under false pretenses.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate behind the scheme used sophisticated legal and banking networks to facilitate fraud. The group reportedly managed at least 15 foreign currency accounts and five local bank accounts across seven Nigerian banks, processing approximately $950,000. Additionally, about $450,000 was funneled into offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
NAFDAC’s findings exposed forged regulatory documents, including fake product registration certificates, revenue receipts, and telegraphic transfer documents, which were used to defraud businesses. Among the affected companies were Japan Long Tie (China), Aquaforest SP (Poland), Vincenzo Frecentese (Italy), and Siam Canadian China Limited.
The case has been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. Authorities are also considering the application of the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover assets acquired through the alleged fraud.
