The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a sophisticated international fraud syndicate that has scammed foreign companies out of hundreds of thousands of dollars using counterfeit regulatory documents and impersonating government officials.
NAFDAC announced yesterday that it has arrested Mr. Ikoro Mang Ifendu, a resident of Aba, Abia State, who allegedly masterminded the scheme. The arrest took place on February 7, 2025, following a petition from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
According to NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the syndicate specifically targeted international businesses seeking to register their products in Nigeria. “The company had applied to register dried fish but was deceived into paying large sums under false pretences,” Adeyeye stated.
The investigation has revealed an elaborate financial operation utilising multiple banking channels. The group reportedly controlled at least 15 domiciliary accounts and five local accounts across seven Nigerian banks. NAFDAC officials said that over $950,000 has flowed through these accounts, with an estimated additional $450,000 deposited in offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
“Some victims continue to send money, with a recent alert showing an additional $75,000 deposit,” the agency noted in its statement.
The fraud scheme involved falsified NAFDAC registration certificates, counterfeit revenue receipts, and fake telegraphic transfer documents used to extort unsuspecting businesses. Several international companies fell victim to the operation, including Japan Long Tie (China), Aquaforest SP (Poland), Vincenzo Frecentese (Italy), and Siam Canadian China Limited.
NAFDAC stated that the case is being transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. The EFCC is expected to apply the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to recover illegally acquired assets connected to the scheme.
In response to the discovery, NAFDAC has issued a strong warning to the public and businesses against engaging with agents or consultants for product registration. The agency advises that companies seeking NAFDAC approvals should visit the official website registration.nafdac.gov.ng for product registration and verification of NAFDAC-regulated products.
“The agency remains committed to protecting public health and ensuring regulatory compliance,” Prof. Adeyeye noted in the statement.
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