The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) says it can’t speak on Raymond ‘Hushpuppi’ Igbalodely, an Instagram celebrity, said to have been arrested in Dubai over fraud-related allegations.
On Wednesday, distorted accounts on his apprehension swirled across social media in a case that became a high-profile one involving the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Interpol.
To work out details of Hushpuppi’s arrest, TheCable Lifestyle contacted multiple sources including law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, the Emirati police authorities, and the police organisation.
In an email reply to a request made by TheCable Lifestyle, Interpol, which facilitates global police cooperation and crime control, reiterated that it doesn’t independently carry out investigations or effect arrests.
“INTERPOL does not make arrests or conduct investigations. This is always done by police in our 194 member countries in accordance with national legislation,” a statement from the organisation read.
“We would advise you to contact the UAE and/or Dubai authorities, who can advise whether such an arrest took place in their jurisdiction.”
TheCable Lifestyle also placed a similar request to the police in Dubai but is yet to get a reply as of when this report was filed.
On his part, Garba Umar, head of the Interpol bureau in Nigeria, said he is yet to receive details on Hushpuppi’s arrest. He also dismissed claims made by reports that quoted him to have spoken on the matter.
“I’ve not received any reply. Those who quoted me, I told them we’re waiting. It’s not yet confirmed. People should stop reading what’s being posted on social media,” Umar, a police commissioner, told TheCable Lifestyle.
In 2019, the FBI had listed nearly 80 Nigerians in a cyberfraud case that was described as one of the largest of its kind in the United States’ history — after two others were nabbed a year before.
In April, the Interpol said it uncovered a face mask fraud to the tune of €1.5 million across Spain, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, with part of the money headed to Nigeria.
Hushpuppi’s case comes after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) docked Mompha, another wealthy internet personality, over alleged N32.9 billion money laundering.
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