The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has has dismantled a sophisticated international fraud syndicate led by Mr. Ikoro Mang Ifendu, who allegedly impersonated NAFDAC officials to defraud foreign companies using counterfeit regulatory documents.
The agency discloded in a statement on Friday, that the arrest of Ifendu, a resident of Aba, Abia State, on February 7, 2025, marked a significant breakthrough in the its efforts to combat fraudulent activities targeting global businesses.
The investigation was triggered by a petition from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group, a company based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, which had applied to register dried fish (seafood) products with NAFDAC. The company was deceived into paying substantial sums of money under the false pretense of securing legitimate regulatory approvals. This prompted NAFDAC to launch a thorough investigation, uncovering a well organised scheme involving fake legal and banking channels.
According to NAFDAC, the syndicate operated a network of at least 15 domiciliary accounts and five local accounts across seven Nigerian banks. Over $950,000 was traced through these accounts, with an estimated $450,000 deposited in offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic. Shockingly, some victims continue to send money, with a recent alert revealing an additional $75,000 deposit into the syndicate’s accounts.
The fraudsters used falsified documents, including counterfeit product registration certificates, revenue receipts, and telegraphic transfer documents, to extort unsuspecting businesses.
Several international companies, including Japan Long Tie (China), Aquaforest SP (Poland), Vincenzo Frecentese (Italy), and Siam Canadian China Limited, were identified as victims of the scam.
NAFDAC has announced that the case will be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. The EFCC will apply the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to recover illegally acquired assets and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In the statement, to the public, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, advised businesses to avoid engaging with unauthorised agents or consultants for product registration.
She emphasised that companies seeking NAFDAC approvals should visit the official portal, [registration.nafdac.gov.ng](http://registration.nafdac.gov.ng), for product registration and verification of regulated products.
“NAFDAC remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring regulatory compliance. We urge all stakeholders to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the agency,” Prof. Adeyeye stated.
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